Unraveling the Benefits of Bamboo Viscose: Your Next Sustainable Choice

Welcome to the world of eco-friendly textiles where bamboo viscose, also known as bamboo rayon, is stealing the spotlight! Picture this: wrapping yourself up in bamboo bedding so soft it feels like a cloud, slipping into comfortable bamboo clothing that's gentle on your skin, or sinking into a bed draped in lush bamboo sheets after a long day. Sounds delightful, doesn't it? That's the comfort and luxury viscose rayon offers!

In this article, we'll take a journey to explore the impressive benefits of bamboo viscose, clear up any confusion surrounding it, and equip you with all the knowledge you need to make an informed, eco-friendly choice. So, buckle up, and let's dive right in!

What is bamboo viscose?

Bamboo viscose, also referred to as bamboo rayon or artificial silk, is a type of semi-synthetic fiber derived from the bamboo plant, one of the most sustainable plants on Earth. The term "viscose" refers to a process involving a solution of cellulose xanthate, producing the silky texture that bamboo viscose fabrics are known for.

Bamboo viscose is not just another sustainable fabric; it represents a greener, more sustainable future in the textile industry.

Bamboo Viscose Manufacturing Process

Bamboo viscose is made through a chemical process that begins with bamboo cellulose. This involves several steps:

Extraction: The bamboo plant is harvested and the cellulose, or wood, is extracted.

Alkali Swelling: The cellulose is then treated with sodium hydroxide, a strong alkali, to form alkali cellulose.

Ripening: The alkali cellulose is left to age, allowing it to properly ripen.

Xanthation: The ripened alkali cellulose is treated with carbon disulfide, converting it into cellulose xanthate.

Dissolution: The cellulose xanthate is dissolved in a caustic solution to form a viscose solution, which has a honey-like consistency.

Spinning: The viscose solution is then spun into fibers through a spinneret. As the solution is extruded through the holes of the spinneret, it is immersed in sulfuric acid, which creates regenerated cellulose fibers.

Cutting and Drying: Finally, the fibers are cut and dried to produce bamboo viscose.

It's important to note that while the viscose process does involve chemical processes, many manufacturers are moving towards using a closed-loop system where these chemicals are captured and reused, significantly reducing the harmful impact on the environment.

Bamboo Viscose uses

Bamboo viscose is incredibly versatile, finding its application in a variety of products. Its excellent moisture-wicking properties make it a popular choice for clothing, from casual wear to luxury fashion. Its naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties, coupled with its soft and comfortable texture, make it a preferred fabric for bedding.

Bamboo bed sheets, for example, provide a comfortable sleep experience, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. The bamboo fabric is also used in making towels, bathrobes, underwear, and baby clothes. Its thermal regulating properties, moisture-wicking, and natural pests-resistant nature contribute to the wide-ranging uses of bamboo viscose in the textile industry.

Bamboo Fabrics vs Bamboo Blend Fabrics

Bamboo fabrics refer to textiles made purely from bamboo fibers, including bamboo viscose, bamboo linen, and bamboo lyocell. They offer the full range of benefits of bamboo, including excellent moisture-wicking properties, thermal regulating abilities, and a soft, comfortable texture.

On the other hand, bamboo blend fabrics are created by combining bamboo fibers with other materials, such as cotton, polyester, or spandex. These bamboo blends leverage the benefits of bamboo while also taking advantage of the properties of the other materials used. Although a blend of fabrics can enhance the properties of Bamboo, it makes the fabric harder to recycle. 

The Pros and Cons of Bamboo Viscose

Bamboo viscose brings a wealth of advantages to the table:

Sustainability: Made from bamboo, one of the fastest-growing and most sustainable plants on earth, bamboo viscose has a far smaller carbon footprint than many other fabrics.

Comfort: Known for its silky softness, bamboo viscose fabric feels luxurious against the skin, making it a popular choice for clothing and bed sheets.

Moisture Wicking: With its excellent moisture-wicking properties, bamboo viscose can absorb and evaporate human sweat in a split second, helping you stay dry and comfortable.

Thermal Regulating: The fabric can adapt to body temperature, providing warmth in cold weather and helping you stay cool in hot weather.

Hypoallergenic and Antibacterial: Bamboo viscose is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin and allergy sufferers.

However, there are also certain cons to consider:

Chemical Process: The process of creating bamboo viscose involves a number of chemicals, including sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. While many manufacturers are transitioning to more eco-friendly processes, not all have made this change.

Durability: While bamboo viscose is relatively durable, it may not hold up as well as some other fabrics to heavy wear and tear.

Environmental Impact of Bamboo Viscose

Bamboo viscose's environmental impact is a mixed bag. On the positive side, the bamboo plant is a renewable resource that grows rapidly without the need for pesticides or much water. Additionally, bamboo plants absorb more carbon dioxide and release more oxygen than many other plants, making them good for the planet.

On the other hand, the manufacturing process for bamboo viscose traditionally involves the use of toxic solvents, which can be harmful if not managed properly. However, many manufacturers are now using a closed-loop system that recaptures and reuses these chemicals, significantly reducing their environmental impact.

Top Brands selling Bamboo Viscose clothes

Cozy Earth

Founded in 2010 by Tyler Howells, Salt Lake City-based Cozy Earth is celebrated for its premium bamboo bed linens, sleepwear, and other bamboo clothing products. Renowned for their unrivaled softness, moisture-wicking abilities, and temperature regulation, these products deliver a unique sleep experience. With a global reputation for quality, the company insists on the finest sustainable materials, innovative technology, and sustainability.

The brand's breathable, cool-sleep-promoting bamboo sheets resist pilling, and they guarantee this durability for 10 years, demonstrating their dedication to longevity. Cozy Earth's super-soft, sustainable offerings are more than just comfortable - they represent a commitment to luxury that lasts.

This Is J

Established in 2003, "This Is J" curates a blend of stylish and practical loungewear, pajamas, and accessories. The brand values ethical production, sourcing quality materials, and employing a local workforce right in Canada, reinforcing its commitment to homegrown creativity and craftsmanship.

The hallmark of "This Is J" lies in its perfect marriage of comfort and style, evident in the functionality of the fit, fabric performance, and the unique design aesthetic. With bamboo jammers being a standout in their collection, "This Is J" continues to serve as a testament to homegrown style and sustainability.

Boody

Established by David Greenblo in 2014 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Boody offers a range of sustainable, high-quality essentials, all crafted from bamboo viscose. The brand is dedicated to creating products that prioritize comfort, offering breathable and incredibly soft garments ideal for underwear, socks, and everyday basics. Boody is more than just a clothing line - it's an environmentally-conscious community.

Committed to making a real, lasting impact, the brand collaborates with individuals, groups, and initiatives that champion change and work towards a sustainable future. Boody's dedication to sustainability and community activism is recognized and embodied in their B Corp Certification, a badge of honor they wear proudly.

Encircled

Founded by Kristi Soomer in 2012, Encircled is a Canadian brand, based in Toronto, devoted to creating clothing that embodies style, comfort, and sustainability. Each piece is ethically crafted from premium eco-friendly fabrics, with a keen focus on flexibility, fit, and conscious design. Instead of conventional cotton, Encircled opts for luxuriously soft, eco-friendly Rayon and Bamboo Viscose products, a pesticide and fertilizer-free crop that creates breathable and silky fabric.

Moreover, all dyes are hypo-allergenic and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, ensuring our clothes are free from harmful chemicals. As a certified B Corp, Encircled embodies timeless design and sustainability, redefining the standards of work leisure wear.

FAQs about Bamboo Viscose

Is bamboo viscose good quality?

Bamboo viscose is considered high-quality due to its unique characteristics. It's incredibly soft, often likened to the feel of silk or cashmere. This makes it a highly comfortable fabric, appreciated in various products, especially in bedding and clothing. The fabric's naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial nature further boosts its quality, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

It is also lauded for its excellent moisture-wicking properties and breathability, contributing to the overall comfort and appeal of bamboo viscose products.

Is bamboo viscose better than cotton?

When assessing whether bamboo viscose is superior to cotton, a few critical factors become evident. Bamboo viscose trumps cotton in several areas: it's derived from one of the fastest-growing, low-maintenance plants, offering a higher degree of sustainability compared to cotton. It's also known for its superior moisture-wicking properties that keep you cool and comfortable.

Additionally, it delivers a level of softness that offers a luxury experience surpassing conventional cotton. However, cotton holds its ground due to its long-standing reputation for durability and less chemical-intensive processing compared to bamboo viscose. Therefore, the choice often boils down to individual preferences and priorities.

What is the difference between 100% bamboo and bamboo viscose?

When a product is labeled as 100% bamboo, it is generally referring to a fabric made entirely from the natural fibers of the bamboo plant. This can include fabrics like bamboo linen, which is created through a mechanical process that combs out the bamboo fibers and weaves them together.

On the other hand, bamboo viscose refers to a specific process where the cellulose of the bamboo plant is extracted and then regenerated into cellulose fibers through a chemical process. While both are made from bamboo, they differ in texture, appearance, and manufacturing process.

What is 100% viscose from bamboo fabric?

When a fabric is described as 100% viscose from bamboo, it means that the fabric is made entirely from bamboo cellulose that has been chemically processed into viscose. The resulting product retains the beneficial properties of bamboo, including its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking abilities.

Is bamboo viscose sustainable?

The sustainability of bamboo viscose is multifaceted. On one hand, the source of the material, bamboo, is highly sustainable. Bamboo crops grow rapidly, require minimal water, and don't need pesticides or harmful chemicals. They also help improve soil quality and absorb more carbon dioxide than other plants, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.

However, the process to convert bamboo into viscose traditionally uses chemicals like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. These chemicals, if not properly managed, can contribute to environmental pollution. Many manufacturers are now transitioning to a closed-loop system, where these chemicals are recovered and reused, mitigating the environmental impact.

Is viscose bamboo bed sheets a better choice than traditional cotton ones?

Offering superior comfort, bamboo viscose bed sheets outshine traditional cotton alternatives with their softness, breathability, and excellent moisture-wicking properties that ensure a cozy sleep experience. Their ability to regulate body temperature provides warmth in colder climes and a cool retreat during warmer seasons.

Add to these benefits the fact that bamboo viscose is naturally hypoallergenic, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin or allergies. These remarkable attributes, combined with the sustainable cultivation of bamboo, make viscose bamboo bed sheets an alluring choice, challenging the reign of conventional cotton sheets.

Difference between bamboo viscose and bamboo rayon

Are you puzzled by the confusion surrounding bamboo viscose vs bamboo rayon? The terms bamboo rayon vs bamboo viscose can often lead to confusion, as they are frequently used interchangeably in the textile industry. In essence, they refer to the same material. Both rayon and viscose are types of regenerated cellulose fiber obtained from bamboo pulp. The terms reflect different aspects of similar manufacturing processes.

Viscose refers to the unique process in which cellulose is dissolved into a viscous solution and then regenerated into fiber. Rayon, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to any regenerated cellulose fiber, including viscose. It was originally coined as a substitute for 'artificial silk' when the fabric was first created.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bamboo viscose presents a promising solution to the quest for sustainable and comfortable fabrics. While the chemical processes involved in its manufacture may raise some concerns, innovations like closed-loop systems are steadily minimizing these drawbacks. When it comes to comfort, bamboo viscose is unparalleled, offering softness and breathability that make it a superior choice for a wide range of applications, from clothing to bed sheets. As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact, bamboo viscose stands out as a fabric that combines luxury with sustainability.