Is Bamboo the Most Sustainable Material?
Bamboo has been used for centuries and is arguably still one of the most sustainable materials for not only building, but also clothing in its organic form and is widely used for both in Bali & inhouse in the cotton form. We explore the benefits of organic bamboo cotton over other materials and natural cotton. There are many sustainable materials being made from seaweed to oranges. However one of the oldest materials in the world may still be the most viable in sustainable luxury fashion.
Our Organic Bamboo Cotton & Sustainable Shell LAUT DRESS
The Benefits of Organic Bamboo Cotton
Stronger than Steel
It has long been used as scaffolding in Asia to build even on modern skyscrapers. Structures and organic bamboo cotton have longitivity that can be lacking in organic cotton. A long lasting material by nature, high quality organic bamboo cotton is designed to last in garments and other products. The same can be said for buildings with its natural ability to adapt to and bend to the climate.
Renewable Resource
Once harvested a bamboo shoot can reach maturity in as little as 60 days depending on use to a year. In countries with bamboo is a naturally native plant then forests provide a sustainable choice. The plants also require 1/200th of the amount of water compared to a cotton plant. As it therefore normally gets this water from natural rainfall, rather than irrigation.
Naturally Organic
Much is said about the intensive processes used to create bamboo viscose or rayon. However organic bamboo cotton vs viscose is sourced from local forests in Indonesia in my collections. It does not undergo the harsh chemical and mechanical processes or toxic dyeing. However Tencel is the only bamboo fibre widely recognised to be more ecological.
Kindest on Skin
Bamboo is naturally resistent to pest and fungal infestations so requires no pesticides. It is also naturally hypoallergenic, UV resistant, antimicrobial and antibacterial making it perfect for sensitive skin. As Electra (our Founder) has psoriasis - it is a soft, sensuous and comforting material for clothing that is preferable over other materials for any skin condition.
Biodegradeable
Bamboo is an organic material and fabric. It can therefore actually be composted and broken down in soil. To ensure a faster rate, clothing can be shredded into smaller strips and returned to the land. This makes it unique in that individuals can actually choose to dispose of their garments in an ecologically safe manner by themselves. This avoids garments being sent to landfill or becoming part of the massive textile waste problem.
Lower Social Cost to Communities
Bamboo grows naturally in forests and does not need any intensive farming. It regenerates and does not need regulating or replanting. Therefore the politics and need for more costly production methods, or access to fair wage and globally regulated markets, is reduced for farmers in the global South. It is a more fnancially and land use efficent crop for communities.
For any information on our pieces or how to recycle your dresses email us - hello@electra-universe.com
