Bamboo Baby Blanket

 Raw material - Bamboo used for clothing comes from Moso Bamboo Phyllostachys edulis.   The Moso bamboo species is not the species eaten by the endangered panda, and the bamboo is not taken from natural forests or panda habitats. 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 a plantation in Yunnan province in southern 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 yard does not meet the strict criteria for organic certification.

Manufacturing -There are several different manufacturing processes used for extracting the bamboo fibres. Once using mechanical 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. This fabric is maufactured using the chemical process. Sodium hydroxide is converted to salt and water once the woody stems have been pulverised. Further informaiton on the bamboo manufacturing process is provided in National Geographic's GreenGuide or eartheasy site.

The fabric is dyed using azo-free dyestuffs. The bamboo fabric is certified by oeko-tek 100 standard which confirms that dyes are non allergenic and does not include any harmful chemicals in their production.

The factory producing the fabrics does not employ staff under the age of 18 and it is committed to reducing emissions and recycling waste. 

 Distribution – Products are shipped from their point of manufacture in China. Air transport is not used for presale with free postage on purchases over $30.

 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 require no fabric softener. Dry cleaning is not recommended for bamboo fabric.

 Waste management - Bamboo fabric is biodegradable. Bamboo body garments are not excessively packaged and packaging used can be reused and recycled.