The FTC and the Bamboo-zling

The FTC recently released a “Consumer Warning” regarding Bamboo Fabric and I have seen several blogs and news articles that have covered the story. The one thing that seems to be missing in every case are the facts. The fact is that Bamboo Fabric, which is made using the Rayon process, is in fact made from Bamboo. The FTC claims that after this process there is “no trace of bamboo”. This is not a fact. The fact is that the cellulose even after being broken down during the preocess is still in the finished fabric, or else we could just make it with air!

The other fact, which has been tested by Chinese Textile researchers as well as Japan’s Textile researchers, is the properties of anti bacterial qualities in the finished fabric. The FTC listed no test results whatsoever. According to the Japanese research, after 50 washes the material impregnated with bacteria resolved 70% of the bacteria. China found it to alleviate 99.8% of bacteria imbedded in the fiber. These are independent tests and were not included in the FTC’s findings.

Treehugger.com recently reported on the FTC release with complete complacency for the information, which was responded to by Mo from Bamboosa (one of the four companies charged by the FTC).. He says, in response to the FTC’s anti-microbial claims:

On the second point, (antimicrobial properties) we sent test results to the FTC showing 100% ‘viscose from bamboo’ fabric tested positive for antimicrobial properties. Unfortunately, we also sent them, in the over 200 pages of documents, the test results for one particular fabric that did not test as antimicrobial. The FTC’s assessment of this data was that it was ‘inconclusive’. We are not sure how they went from ‘inconclusive’ to the statement issued in their press release that the product in question was NOT antimicrobial. We are having additional testing done that we hope will satisfy the FTC’s requirement for substantiation.

Another fact that seems to be missing in almost every blog and news article is the fact that only one of the four companies charged with making false claims (Bamboo Fabric and antimicrobial) agreed to the terms set by the FTC regarding the fabric. The other three companies are not. The fact is that, although bamboo fabric is Fabric made from bamboo, the FTC does not recognize it, and according to Mo,

“The FTC does not recognize any fiber called ‘bamboo fiber’. ‘Bamboo fiber’ does not exist because the FTC says is doesn’t. Even if the fiber in question was produced via a different method such as mechanically, without the use of any chemicals, it could still not be called bamboo fiber.”

The question in my mind, and for the future of sustainable causes in the US is, when do we hold the Government of the US responsible for making false and misleading statements in the wake of an industrial nightmare that our predessesors unconscious behavior, or do we just keep buying crap that is killing the planet?

Bamboo Clothing

In 2002 one of 2* Chinese Textile Companies decided to use bamboo instead of wood in the Rayon process and came up with a new fabric. Many different fabrics have since been created out of the idea including; terry, jersey, linens, and some high end fabric made out of bamboo charcoal. It wasn’t originally intended to be a sustainable choice, but has rather started to become that on its own due to the nature of growing bamboo vs. wood.

Bamboo can grow in several temperate climates and requires no pesticides or fertilizers in order to grow. It can be harvested over and over without ever replanting and is the fastest growing plant on the planet. It can grow up to 4 ft. in one hour during certain growing cycles. You can actually watch it grow.

Some of the natural qualities that stay in the fabric are the natural qualities of the bamboo. Bamboo is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and hypo-allergenic. Perfect for anyone with sensitive skin, and so soft and comfortable that it will gradually replace many of your favorite clothes.

Bamboo Clothing Co. one of the many new companies offering bamboo has focused on graphic design, but also offers plain t-shirts, and has plans to introduce many other affordable lines of new clothing for yoga and casual wear. BCC was one of the most affordable of the new lines I have researched and include shipping cost into the shirt price so you know what your paying for and don’t get caught by surprise at checkout.

They also have a lot of information on their Bamboo page about bamboo; everything from growing it to types and climate regions, as well as fabrics and other information. There is even a blog about a bamboo fiber bike frame! There are so many benefits to bamboo that are still being researched, so check out this site from time to time as they continue to add new findings. Word has it that Woody Harrelson is putting together a bamboo and hemp ski clothing business.

I got a chance to try some of the shirts and I will have a hard time going back to some of my old favorites. I am amazed at how soft and comfortable they are, especially on a hot muggy day. One of my friends said they had to keep looking down to make sure they were really wearing something, it is so soft.