Bamboo fabric is famous for its silky softness and is often sold as a sustainable choice. But at Circular People, we believe in radical transparency. We've banned bamboo rayon (viscose) from our products because its chemical-intensive production and misleading marketing don't align with our values.

Here's a breakdown of the differences between bamboo fabrics so you can make informed choices.

The Bamboo We Avoid: Rayon/Viscose

Over 99% of bamboo fabric is a semi-synthetic form of rayon. While it starts with a bamboo plant, the journey to becoming a fabric is a chemical-intensive process that uses highly toxic substances like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires this fabric to be labeled "rayon made from bamboo" because the final product has lost all of the plant’s original properties.

The production also has a significant environmental footprint. To meet the growing demand, natural forests are often cleared for large-scale bamboo monoculture plantations. While bamboo is a renewable resource, this practice leads to habitat loss and reduced biodiversity.

The Bamboo We Accept: Linen and Lyocell

We believe that a true bamboo fabric should be made without toxic chemicals.

• Bamboo Linen: We accept this rare form of bamboo fabric because it’s made using a clean, mechanical process that avoids harsh chemicals. We ensure it's traceable and comes from a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forest, which guarantees it was not grown at the expense of natural habitats.

• Bamboo Lyocell: The lyocell process is a more sustainable, closed-loop chemical method that can be used for bamboo. It uses a non-toxic solvent that's recycled. We are proud to source this material from partners who back their claims with third-party certifications like GOTS and Bluesign.

How to Make an Informed Choice

You have the power to make a positive impact. Here's how to shop for bamboo responsibly:

• Read the Label: If a product says "100% Bamboo," be wary—it's likely rayon. Look for "rayon from bamboo" and know that we have chosen to avoid it.

• Look for Certifications: The best way to verify a brand's claims is to look for third-party certifications. For bamboo, this includes FSC, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

• Choose Well: If you're looking for a soft, low-impact fabric, consider alternatives like TENCEL™ Lyocell, which has a transparent and responsible supply chain verified by trusted certifications.

• Circular Choices: At its end of life, a bamboo garment's fate depends on its production method. Undyed bamboo linen and lyocell are biodegradable and can be composted. Bamboo rayon will also biodegrade, but its chemical-intensive production makes it a problematic choice for composting.

By learning to distinguish between bamboo rayon and true bamboo fabrics, you can make a powerful difference and support a more responsible textile industry.