by Delia Montgomery
It was about six years ago green-movement “insiders” were talking about the upcoming bamboo fabric crash. Bamboo clothing was the rage at the time, so every eco-fabric industry leader wanted to ride the wave as long as possible.
Once word got to customers two years later, they fiercely resisted. Typical reactions were “I love my bamboo, you can’t take it away from me!” — along with expressions of disbelief.
There are a lot of bamboo enthusiasts on our Hawaiian islands, so I haven’t been anxious to spread the word myself. The fabric is so sensuously addictive that it’s a boost to the lingerie market.
If you wish to get technical, refer to the RELATED POSTS at the end of this writing. But the bottom line is that in pursuit to legally stop literal green-washing, “earth-friendly bamboo” became a false advertising issue.
In summary, bamboo fabric is actually rayon unless the natural plant is mechanically processed in a manner similar to that for making flax into linen-like fabrics. It can be done, but that old economic feasibility concern may be legitimate.
RELATED POSTS:
Picking Apart Bamboo Couture
Competition Bureau Calls on Textile Dealers to Accurately Label Textile Articles Derived from Bamboo
Performance Representations not Based on Adequate and Proper Tests
Bamboo Fiber: Greenwash or Treasure?
Fabulous Fabrics: Why Bamboo Often Isn’t
A Nice White Lady
Amongst other things, blog contributor Delia Montgomery, d/b/a Chíc Eco, is an agent for environmental designers, artists, and related services.
