Is the process used to manufacture bamboo textiles harmful to people and the environment?
It’s true that the production of bamboo viscose involves the use of chemicals that if left unmanaged can do harm to humans and the environment. But before we write off bamboo as a sustainable textile option, let’s consider some facts: – Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth with an average growth rate of 12 – 19 inches per day (Jinhe Fu, 2000). Bamboo is tremendously hardy and pest resistant. No fertilizers, pesticides or irrigation is required. Neither is replanting required. The shoots are simply cut to their base and the bamboo re-grows from new shoots. As such, bamboo offers a tremendous source of sustainable cellulose for textile production. – Let’s compare this with conventional cotton. Cotton is very sensitive to pest infestation and drought. Every one Kg of cotton lint production requires 10,000 – 17,000 liters of water. Cotton production accounts for 2.4% of total arable land yet accounts for 11% of global pesticide use and 25% of global insecticide use (Kooistra & Term
