Are Bamboo Sheets Environmentally Friendly?

As we talk about environmentally friendly products and organic materials, it can be difficult to understand which products are actually reducing carbon footprint and which are guilty of monetising off of a trending buzzword. With more consumers taking the time to become conscious of their purchasing decisions, it makes sense to take a step back and gain an understanding of what it means for materials, products and goods to be environmentally friendly.

Bamboo sheets have amassed a hype for being an environmentally friendly, natural, and organic alternative to traditional cotton sheets. Bamboo sheet retailers are always claiming to be environmentally friendly, organic or chemical-free. As a modern conscious consumer, you may be wondering – is the hype real? Are bamboo sheets actually environmentally friendly? 

Quite simply, yes. Bamboo sheets are manufactured from a regenerative plant, making them both sustainable and eco-friendly. However, not all bamboo sheets are created equal. While at Linenly, we stock OEKO-TRX certified bamboo bed sheets made from 100% organic bamboo fibre, there are plenty of bamboo sheet retailers that sell products with questionable manufacturing processes.

In this article, we plan to break down how bamboo sheets are environmentally friendly, the difference between organic and synthetic manufacturing processes, and what it means to have bedding that can impact your health and the environment, as well as your bedroom aesthetics.

Let’s start with the basics. The reason bamboo provides an organic, more sustainable alternative to cotton, is because bamboo plants are entirely regenerative. Bamboo is known as the fastest growing plant on the planet and can be continuously re-harvested every three years without causing damage to the plant system and the surrounding environment.

Relying on bamboo has a resource means relying on a material that will grow and continue to grow on its own – even after being harvested for use. Hardwoods like oak take at least forty years to mature before they can be harvested, and even then, almost a million acres of forests are lost each week worldwide because of deforestation.

The fast-growing grass that is bamboo also requires no fertiliser or chemical pesticides. Bamboo self-generates from its own roots, so it does not need replanting, propagating or maintaining. When comparing to cotton cultivation, which demands large amounts of water, pesticides and labour, the sustainability of bamboo plants becomes pretty clear.

Even after harvesting, virtually every part of the bamboo plant can be used to make a wide variety of products. From soil-enriching mulch to bamboo furniture, chopsticks and skincare products, every part of a bamboo plant can be used, creating no waste.

Not only are bamboo sheets environmentally friendly, but bamboo plants actually have the potential to save the planet. Research has revealed that bamboo actually works to absorb greenhouse gases – the plants absorb carbon dioxide and release 35% more oxygen back into the atmosphere than an equivalent stand of hardwood trees.

With “organic” being the current buzzword used to describe products, materials, and services, it can be hard to understand what that actually means. Many bedding retailers use organic to describe the manufacturing process and materials used to manufacture products; however, not all bamboo sheets are created equal.

Organic refers to the lack of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. Not only does the label of organic mean that products are safer for human integration, but it means that it takes less time for the materials to break down, which is inherently kinder to the environment than non-organic fabrics. This is especially important when it comes to bedding, as we spend a significant portion of our lives sleeping on these materials.

When it comes to bamboo sheets, not all are created equal in terms of organic production. Some manufacturers may use harsh chemicals and pesticides during the manufacturing process, which can have negative effects on both human health and the environment. It's important for consumers to do their research and look for certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 to ensure that the bamboo sheets they purchase are truly organic.

Bamboo fabric manufacturing entails a process in which cellulose fibres are used to generate yarn, which is then spun into fabric. There are a few different methods of creating bamboo fibres; many of which involve a process with harmful chemicals, and some without the use of any unethical practices.

The problem that we face in the industry is that the term “organic” is often used in labelling all bamboo bed sheets, despite not all bamboo bed sheet manufacturing being entirely ethical.

The best way to determine whether or not bamboo sheets are actually environmentally friendly is by seeking retailers that satisfy Oeko-Tex certifications. Oeko-Tex is an internationally recognised certificate the strictly regulates the manufacturing processes of textiles. Products that have the Oeko-Tex certificate are recognised as being entirely free from over 100 chemicals and substances that are harmful to both humans and the environment.

So, the answer to the question of “are bamboo sheets environmentally friendly?” is yes. As a source, bamboo is not only entirely environmentally friendly as a renewable and regenerative plant, but bamboo actually works to protect the environment and human health. Bamboo sheets that are manufactured ethically from organic bamboo plants are entirely sustainable, biodegradable, and are an excellent alternative to sources that require harmful manufacturing and harvesting processes.

However, not all bamboo sheets are entirely organic and ethically made. It’s essential to engage with vendors that work under strict Oeko-Tex regulations to ensure each step of the manufacturing process is free from any nasty chemicals. After all, there’s no point in investing in “organic” bamboo bedding if they aren’t really environmentally friendly.

Here at Linenly, we work hard to ensure all of our bamboo sheets and products are entirely sustainable. Our comfortable and luxurious bamboo sheets are made from 100% organic bamboo fibres, in addition to being Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certified. We care deeply about your health, the environment, and our position in providing ethically made and environmentally friendly products. If you’d like to learn more about our products, check out our selective range of natural bamboo sheets today.