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From bicycles to socks to toothbrushes: Many products today are made in whole or in part from bamboo. But why is bamboo suitable for so many products, from clothing to bicycles? Our blog post explains!
Bamboo is a member of the grass family – yes, you heard that right – bamboo is actually a grass and not wood, which is why the stems of bamboo are called culms. There are more than 1000 different species worldwide, ranging in height from one meter to 40 meters. Bamboo grows about 30 cm a day, so large quantities can be grown and harvested each year without endangering the stock. Bamboo does not require fertilizer or pesticides and is therefore considered to be relatively sustainable.
WHAT IS BAMBOO USED FOR?
The use of bamboo has increased significantly in recent years. Once known only as a screen in the garden, bamboo is now used in everything from furniture to bicycles to skis and snowboards. The core of skis and snowboards is usually made from this strong material. Bamboo can also be found in biodegradable plasters and toothbrushes. And even small items such as bottles and lunch boxes can have bamboo lids:
BAMBOO IN TEXTILES
Bamboo is increasingly being used in textiles. It is considered to be durable and breathable. Bamboo fabrics are also dimensionally stable. The voids in the cell structure make the fabric very light, soft and elastic. Tired of sweaty clothes? Bamboo can help here too. It is said to be many times more absorbent than cotton.
But beware! When people talk about bamboo, they do not always mean the natural bamboo bast fibers. Bamboo clothing can also be made from viscose, which is made from bamboo. Viscose is a bio-based fiber produced by a chemical process. The production of viscose can be relatively sustainable – such as Lenzing AG’s EcoVero viscose – or very energy and chemical intensive. Look at the manufacturer’s information!
More and more footwear manufacturers are turning to the robust, moisture-regulating and antibacterial material. Here is a selection of shoes with bamboo content:
THE PROCESSING OF BAMBOO
After harvesting, the bamboo canes are stored and dried. Bamboo can then be processed similarly to wood. A device similar to an apple slicer is used to cut and process the individual canes. Depending on the end product the bamboo is to be used for, different machines are used to bring the canes into the desired shape and size.
ADVANTAGES OF GROWING BAMBOO
As mentioned above, bamboo grows very quickly, so large quantities can be harvested and processed each year without endangering the stock. When the plant is cut down, the entire plant does not die, as bamboo forms underground root systems which ensure that the bamboo regenerates quickly and forms new stems. As a result, bamboo plants can absorb four times more C02 than other tree species.
Bamboo is strong and resilient. Therefore, no pesticides or fertilisers need to be used during cultivation. In addition, the underground root system prevents soil erosion. Bamboo cultivation promises high yields from a small area. The environmental impact of bamboo production is comparatively low, and its uses are diverse.
Finally, remember that bamboo is sometimes imported and processed over long distances. Particularly with textiles, it may be worth asking the manufacturer for more detailed product information. Nevertheless, bamboo’s material properties make it a real alternative to plastic, wood, cotton, and the like. Many industries benefit from this raw material and produce sustainable products.
Bamboo for the home? Things to consider when growing bamboo:
- You must provide an adequate water supply. Bamboo is relatively sensitive to water shortages.
- Bamboo can withstand temperatures as low as -20 °C, but it should not get much colder!
- You can plant bamboo in the ground or in a container.
- The best place to plant bamboo is in semi-shade, but it will thrive in full sun as long as you give it plenty of water!
Bamboo in winter sports products
Bamboo is a material with a very high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for ski and snowboard construction. Its flexibility ensures a harmonious ride on uneven terrain. Bamboo skis and snowboards from our range:
Nowadays, ski poles are being made from bamboo again, because it has a better environmental balance than carbon. The Swedish company Kang offers both stylish and sustainable models:
Want to know more about materials and technologies used in outdoor sports? The following articles may be of interest to you:
→ All about fibers and materials used in sport- and outdoor products. Our fabrics glossary!
→ Merino: the natural fibre all-rounder
→ MIPS: The intelligent safety technology to protect your brain