Why we are sticking with Organic Cotton

Can You Get Organic Bamboo? The Short Answer: No.

When it comes to bamboo fabric, there’s a lot of confusion, especially around whether it can be certified organic. The reality is simple: organic bamboo clothing does not exist.

• While bamboo starts out as a natural, sustainable plant, the manufacturing process required to turn it into a soft, wearable fabric changes everything.

Why Bamboo Can’t Be Certified Organic

By the time bamboo has been processed into a textile, it becomes a blend of natural and synthetic fibres. Because of this, organisations such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Soil Association do not certify bamboo fabrics.

The reason is clear:
Bamboo has to undergo an intensive chemical process before it becomes the rayon/viscose fabric sold as “bamboo clothing.”

During this process:

• Hazardous chemicals are used to break down the bamboo pulp
• These chemicals can be harmful to workers
• Toxins are released into the environment
• Some residue may remain on the final fabric and can potentially leach onto the skin

In contrast, GOTS-certified organic cotton prohibits the use of harsh chemicals. It ensures safe working conditions and guarantees that the cotton is processed without toxic treatments, making it a far gentler option for sensitive skin.

Why Bamboo Became So Popular

There’s no denying it: bamboo, as a plant, is incredibly sustainable.

• It grows quickly
• Requires no pesticides
• Needs little water
• Regenerates rapidly
• Helps reduce carbon emissions
• Increases oxygen release

These features make bamboo an eco-friendly crop with impressive environmental benefits.

However, once bamboo is chemically processed into bamboo rayon or bamboo viscose, very few of these original benefits remain.

Bamboo Fabric vs. Sensitive Skin

If you've read our eczema journey, you’ll understand why we care so deeply about what touches our children’s skin.

A child’s skin, especially under the age of six, is thinner, more permeable, and more vulnerable to absorbing chemicals than adult skin. If your little one already struggles with eczema or sensitivities, bamboo rayon may not be the best choice.

For these reasons, choosing certified organic natural fibres such as GOTS organic cotton is a safer, more transparent option for sensitive skin.

The Bottom Line

• Bamboo the plant is sustainable.
• Bamboo the fabric is not organic and cannot be certified as organic.
• The chemical processing involved removes many of the natural benefits of bamboo and can introduce concerns for sensitive skin.

If you’re working toward low-tox living or supporting eczema-prone skin, it’s worth choosing certified organic fabrics wherever possible.