Sunday, July 20, 2008

Inherent Characteristics of Bamboo Fabric

The All in One Fabric

In comparison with other fabrics made of natural fibers, bamboo fabric offers much more healthy properties which are the direct heritage from the bamboo plant that is recognized as a real natural and sustainable plant.

These characteristics are confirmed by the numerous applications of bamboo, in general, and bamboo fabric, in particular, targeting the improvement of our environment and our protection in specific fields such as medical products.

The following reports these mains attributes and their immediate beneficial effects for the human health.

Organic Bamboo fabric is antibacterial

Bamboo contains a natural and unique agent called "bamboo Kun" which prevents pathogens and other harmful matters from cultivating on it. This quality keeps bamboo fresher for longer, more hygienic and healthier.

A main reason for bamboo's success is that antibacterial property; It is noteworthy that for centuries, food in Japan was wrapped in bamboo leaves to keep it from spoiling. This property is maintained in the form of fabric.

Bamboo fiber and therefore fabric has natural antimicrobial, anti-odor and resilience-added benefits. Microbes love cotton, and a warm moist climate breeds germs and causes odor. The bacteria begin to thrive and multiply on their host, causing the cotton garment to break down and yellow.

Antibacterial fabric prevents textile breakdown and discoloration from bacteria and germs. The warm wet environment is eliminated by the very nature of the fiber which contains hollow cavities enabling a high level of ventilation and moisture to wick away from skin at two to three times the rate of conventional cotton.

  • A quantitative antibacterial capability test was performed by The China Textile Industrial Testing Center, CTITC during July, 2003. One hundred percent bamboo fabric and cotton were exposed over a 24-hour period to bacteria strain type Staphylococcus aurous. After that period the numbers of live bacteria were counted in each sample. The results showed that the 100% bamboo fabric had a 99.8% antibacterial kill rate, much better than the cotton fabric, which exhibited bacterial growth.
  • Studies at the Japan Textile Inspection Association, JTIA, revealed the long term antibacterial efficacy of the fabric. Quantitative testing was performed using 100% bamboo fabric that has been industrially washed 50 times. Incubation over a 24-hour period with bacterial strain type MRSA Staphylococcus IID 1677 was followed by a count of live bacteria. Results showed that bamboo fabric exhibits greater than 70% antibacterial efficacy, even after 50 industrial washings. (Results obtained from Shanghai Tenbro Bamboo Textile Ltd)
  • It is well documented that soiled linens harbor microorganisms that can be transmitted to others, said Gang Sun, professor of clothing and textiles at the University of California, Davis. "In light of the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria, the development of (antimicrobial and antibacterial textiles) can be a major advancement in the battle against the spread of infection." PR Newswire, New Technologically Advanced Bed Linens Latest Development in Battle Against Microbes That Cause Hospital Acquired Infections, Wednesday, August 25 2004
  • Antimicrobial and antibacterial textiles can play a part in a strategic plan to reduce healthcare associated infections. Tactics such as isolating infected and colonized patients, practicing stringent hand washing policies, and implementing antimicrobial and antibacterial textiles can help combat the spread of a wide range of resistant bacteria, viruses and other microbes including Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aurous (MRSA), a form of staph bacteria which is blamed for about 13 % of the nation's two million hospital infections each year according to the CDC


Organic Bamboo fabric is anti-fungal

Unlike cotton, bamboo fiber products will not grow fungus even if left in the moist, leaving it a fresh smell.

Chemically treated socks sell well, but unlike these types of fabrics, where chemical antimicrobial agents are included during the manufacturing process, bamboo fabric products do not need (or use) these chemicals, which can cause skin allergy and other irritations

* Fifty individuals suffering from the fungal infection tinea pedis commonly called athlete's foot were given antimicrobial, antibacterial socks. All fifty test subjects reported the disappearance of the burning and itching that accompanies athlete's foot within 1-2 days of wearing the socks. Within 2-6 days the blistering and sores characteristic of athlete's foot disappeared and the skin returned to normal. None of the fifty individuals reported any adverse effects after using the socks.Frykberg RG, Armstrong DG, Giurini J, et al. Diabetic Foot A Clinical Practice Guideline. J Foot Ankle Surg, 2000

Organic Bamboo fabric is Allergen Free

No chemical additives were added during the farming of bamboo nor during the production of our fabrics; therefore, our products are 100% allergen free.

Organic Bamboo Fabric absorbs 3-4 times better than cotton.

Bamboo is a natural moisture absorbent thanks to its structure made of numerous tiny gaps and holes that also promote efficient ventilation. This property is kept in the bamboo fabric. Bamboo fiber apparel has the ability to absorb and evaporate human sweat in a split second. A bamboo T-shirt, for example, keeps the skin comfortable, rather than sticky, in summer weather.

Bamboo's ability to absorb water accounts for its capacity for rapid growth and it is also retained when bamboo is transformed into fabric.

Bamboo Fabric is Cool (stays 2-3 degrees cooler in hot weather & warmer in cold)

Unlike any other fabric in the world, bamboo fabric is physically cooler to touch in hot weather. This is due to the excellent capacity of ventilation offered by its microstructure.

Just like breathing, such garments make people feel extremely cool and comfortable in the hot summer.

Being proved to be 1-2 degrees cooler than cotton, bamboo fiber offers a highly appreciable comfort during the heat! Bamboo fiber gives your skin a chance to breath free.

Bamboo Fabric Protects Skin from Ultraviolet Ray

Bamboo fabric has an Ultraviolet Ray Penetrating Rate of 0.06%, versus cotton fabric that has a Ultraviolet Ray Penetrating Rate of 25.00%. Bamboo fabric's ability to block ultraviolet ray is 417 times greater than cotton fabric. That’s great for all sensible skins like babies!

Bamboo is The All in One Fabric


Bamboo: Choosing green fulfillment for healthy living everyday!

Please review other articles for additional information about this fabulous fabric.

Contact: we.bamboo@yahoo.com

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