Regenerated Cellulose fibre. Bamboo fibres are produced using the viscose process from sustainable sources of Moso Bamboo. Environmental concerns relating to the production of standard viscose apply to the production of Bamboo. A major advantaged claimed by bamboo fibres is a natural anti-bacterial property however exposure to strong acids and alkalines during processing would make this unlikely. Distinction between standard viscose fibres and "bamboo" viscose may not be possible. Use of bamboo fibres is on the increase and finding niche markets where the "antimicrobial" properties are seen as a potential advantage.

Currently limited availability. Bamboo fibres are supplied as staple fibre spun into yarns that may be blended with other fibres in the same way as viscose.

Treat to remove sulphur and use cellulose dyes. Since Bamboo fibres are produced using the viscose process, and will encounter the same problems as experienced with viscose. Fibres will often have residual sulphur compounds present after manufacture and will require some form of treatment to reduce these.

Fibres can be dyed with reactive dyes or in some cases direct dyes. As with viscose fibre there is the potential to spin pigment dyed fibres. from coloured dope. If the clothes are to be used for work wear reactive dyes, vat dyes or sulphur dyes would be the selection of choice.

Susceptible to shrinking. A reduction of 30% to 50% in the strength of Bamboo fibres can be expected when wet and this may cause some problems.

Resistant to pilling

12-15% regain. Being cellulose based, bamboo (viscose) will absorb high levels of moisture dependent upon the ambient conditions. Typically at 65% RH levels of between 12%-15% can be expected.

Dry-cleaning recommended for 100% regenerated bamboo. Being a "viscose" fibre, bamboo has poor wet strength and this may influence laundering. Currently the fibre is not widely available however similar washing instructions used for viscose fibres should be applied. Dry cleaning is on option for 100% bamboo fabrics while blended yarns can be washed. This should be carried out using lukewarm or cool cycles avoiding any wringing or twisting of the garments in order to prevent damage. Air-drying is recommended, with knitted garments laid flat. Ironing while slightly damp is using a moderate heat setting is preferred when necessary taking care to iron on the reverse side of the garments to prevent the fabric from becoming shiny.

Potentially the same as viscose. Currently not penetrating into the corporate clothing sector. Regenerated bamboo has the same potential as viscose fibres and as such could be used in woven fabrics for suit linings.

Can be disposed of using all end of life opportunities. Bamboo fibres are essentially the same as viscose and can be treated in the same way. The fibres are 100% cellulose and as such are biodegradable. The fibre has also the potential for re-use and remanufacture. Where used as 100% viscose there is the possibility of using the fabrics as a raw material for regenerated cellulose fibre production. When present in blends, the end of life options are reduced. Blending with other cellulose fibres such as cotton, provide the options of using the fibre as a cellulose raw material for regenerated cellulose fibres. The re-use of the non-woven viscose fabrics will depend on the way they have been manufactured.