How is Bamboo Textile Fibre Made?

Bamboo is believed to have originated in China, although it is grown all over the world, favouring warmer climates over rather cold ones. While bamboo is often referred to as a tree, the plant is classified as grass and is extremely easy to grow. Each year, during the warmer seasons (spring and summer), small poles called culms grow from an underground shoot. These shoots are relatively weak and can be easily cut into as it takes a while for the bamboo shoots to mature in strength.

Bamboo textile fibre is created from bamboo which has matured after a few years. Bamboo textile fibre is made when a powerful alkaline solution is used to break down the elements holding the fibres together. Through repetition of this step, these fibres become thinner and are bleached. After the entire process is complete, a type of “fluff” forms.

This bamboo fluff can then be spun into yarn, a similar process to other natural fibres such as wool. The strength of the bamboo textile fibre means it resists typical “wear-and-tear”, tends to hold shape for longer and gives products an extended lifespan. The textile fibre’s colourfast properties also gives it the ability to hold in dyes and lock in colours, so these high quality products retain their vivid, original colours for longer.