Bamboo Underwear

 Raw material - Bamboo used for clothing comes from Moso Bamboo Phyllostachys edulis.   Bamboo, like hemp, grows without the use of pesticides or herbicides. Bamboo also sequesters five times more CO2 than an equivalent stand of trees and requires much less water than cotton. The extensive shallow root system of bamboo has a role in preventing soil erosion and assists with nitrogen fixation.

The bamboo is sourced from China. The plantation is managed in strict accordance with the international OCIA/NOP standards.

While bamboo is grown naturally without the use of pesticides, fertilisers and chemicals and does not involve Genetically Modified Organisms it is not certified organic as the process of converting bamboo to yarn does not meet the strict criteria for organic certification.

 Manufacturing – There are several different manufacturing processes used for extracting the bamboo fibres. One using mechanical processes which tends to be more expensive or chemical processes using sodium hydroxide (NaOH- also known as caustic soda) to ‘cook’ the fibre into a form of regenerated cellulose pulp and the thin fibres can then be extracted and spun. Caustic soda does have potential environmental impacts if handled incorrectly. The fabric for the briefs is manufactured using the chemical process, and the bamboo fabric is certified by oeko-tex 100 standard which confirms that dyes used are non allergenic and does not include any harmful chemicals in the production. Further information on the bamboo manufacturing process is provided in National Geographics’ GreenGuide or eartheasy site.

The factory in China producing the fabrics and assembling the garments does not employ staff under the age of 18 and is committed to reducing emissions and recycling waste. Melissa, the owner of Sahara Bloom, has visited the factory to confirm that no child labour is used and that workers are paid above award wages.  

 Distribution – Products are shipped from their point of manufacture in China. Products are distributed within Australia via Express Post. Sahara Bloom is currently investigating opportunities to move the manufacturing of clothes to Australia.

 Product use – The items within the collection are designed so that they will not go out of fashion and can be worn year round, thus increasing their life. Garments can be washed at low temperatures and it is recommended that no harsh detergents are used and no fabric softener is required. Dry cleaning is not recommended for bamboo fabric.

 Waste management - Bamboo fabric is biodegradable. Sahara Bloom garments are packaged in recyclable bamboo packaging or 100% post consumer waste recycled packaging.