Why we are sticking with Organic Cotton

Can you get Organic Bamboo? The only answer is no.

The end product after processing/manufacturing means you are left with a mix of natural and synthetic fibres. For this reason alone, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Soil association do not give certification to bamboo clothing.

The Chemical process that bamboo undergoes to become a fabric means hazardous chemicals are released into the environment and are harmful for those handling it. While in contrast GOTS Organic cotton has certification to show that workers are not exposed to such chemicals and the cotton itself doesn’t undergo harsh chemical processing. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the harsh chemical processing of bamboo remains on the fabric and can leach on to the skin, causing issues for wearers.

Bamboo has been popular in recent years because of its sustainability claims and in fact the plant itself is extremely sustainable. It requires no pesticides or chemical fertilizers to grow and requires reduced cultivation practices, which is great for the farmers. Bamboo has a huge biomass above and below ground that can lead to increased oxygen being generated and reduced carbon emitted. Once the bamboo is harvested it can regenerate quickly, meaning it can be used for quick turnaround manufacturing.

So we want to emphasise that bamboo as a plant is sustainable, natural and does in fact have antimicrobial elements but once it has been made into bamboo rayon or viscose it resembles little to none of these benefits.

If you have read our previous blog on our journey with eczema, then you will know why we care about what touches our Children’s skin. It is important to remember that a child’s skin up to the age of 6 is more permeable than an adult. This means the skin is thinner than that of an adult and therefore at increased risk of absorption of chemicals. If your child is already showing signs of sensitive skin, then is it probably best to avoid bamboo.