The trend of using ethically-produced textiles has “inflated” bamboo fabric as the hero that saves the environment from damage. However, as its market share grows, bamboo fabric has led to significant misconceptions, with people assuming that all bamboo fibers are inherently green and eco-friendly. In reality, not all bamboo fibers are of the same quality.
Why is bamboo yarn controversial when it comes to its eco-friendliness?
Considered a key alternative to synthetic, petrochemical-based materials, bamboo yarn has sparked controversy regarding its eco-friendliness since its commercialization in the early 2000s. Many reports claim that bamboo only contributes a small portion to the sustainable fashion market.
Why is eco-friendly bamboo yarn so rare?
There are two main methods for producing bamboo yarn: mechanical (handmade) and chemical (using technology):
+The mechanical process uses natural enzymes to extract the fibers and spin them into yarn. While it is environmentally friendly, this method is labor-intensive and small-scale due to its high costs.
+On the other hand, the open-loop system uses harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide to break down bamboo leaves and shoots, leading to health issues and environmental damage.
Most bamboo yarn on the market is produced using the open-loop system, which not only diminishes its eco-friendliness but also raises concerns about health risks and ecological pollution.
How to identify truly good, eco-friendly bamboo yarn?
Research shows that:
– Only organic bamboo with high cellulose content can produce long, strong fibers that retain the natural properties of bamboo.
– The higher the cellulose content, the higher the quality of the fiber. However, if the open-loop system is used, the bamboo fibers will lose many of the inherent properties of bamboo, while also harming the environment.
– On the other hand, the closed-loop system uses controlled equipment and production methods that minimize environmental damage:
+Saves energy.
+Reuses water.
+Reduces environmental waste.
+Waste can be recycled, decomposed, or used to generate electricity.
+Can decompose into natural mixtures.
Next, let’s explore bamboo yarn production technology:
Each factory in different countries will have its own regulations on green production standards. The simplest way is to refer to reliable certifications given to bamboo yarn, such as: Oeko-Tex, Soil Association, SKAL, KRAV, SGS, IAF, Ecocert…
Currently, the most common and reliable eco-label for textile products is Oeko-Tex® Standard 100. However, Oeko-Tex does not certify the sustainability or eco-friendliness of the production process, so it is often accompanied by one of the following two certifications: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – the world’s leading standard for organic fiber textiles; and GRS (Global Recycle Standard) – the global recycling standard.
These are the core points that make bamboo yarn recognized as Green Fashion.
Is bamboo yarn in Vietnam eco-friendly?
As a pioneer in distributing bamboo in Vietnam since 2019, Bảo Lân Textile has observed that most bamboo yarns in Vietnam are made from bamboo of unclear origin, produced using the open-loop system that harms both the environment and users’ health.
Taking advantage of the global textile industry’s disruption caused by the Covid pandemic, Bảo Lân developed Bamboo Biocell with strict control over the production process, from the sourcing of bamboo fibers to the weaving and dyeing technology in Vietnam.
The outstanding features of Bamboo Biocell made in Vietnam:
T-shirts from the Meta-Street collection by stylist Freddy Nguyen
are crafted with Bamboo Biocell fabric. Photo: HUDB+.
The first bamboo yarn fabric made in Vietnam that offers transparency in sourcing, provides certificates of origin (CO), and comes with a genuine “Green” commitment, fully meeting the European “Green Future” criteria. Bamboo Biocell expands the range of sustainable bamboo yarn options.
You can find more about the Bamboo Biocell yarn products from Greenyarn in our yarn collection.
For finished Organic fabrics or bamboo fabrics, please refer to our W.ELL Fabric brand website, which offers various categories such as Bamboo Cotton, Bamboo 100%, Bamboo Denim… (with diverse weaving styles and color charts).
For Bamboo Biocell yarn & fabric consultation, contact us:
Hotline: (+84) 857902535
Email: hello@wellfabric.com | ask@greenyarn.vn
Address: 10 Nguyễn Đăng Giai, Thảo Điền Ward, Thủ Đức City, HCMC.