Sustainable bedding and eco-friendly fabrics are an important factor for many people looking for new bed linen. Fortunately, over the past few years, more and more options are becoming available to strike a balance between style, sustainability and quality.

Several fabrics top the list of the most eco-friendly options, and each comes with pros and cons in how suitable they are for bedding. However, the material proving a firm favourite for its number of benefits is bamboo.

What is bamboo fabric?

Bamboo material is made from the fibres of the bamboo plant. This is known as a natural fibre, and as it’s typically grown sustainably, it makes it a fantastic eco-friendly fabric for bedding.

The plant itself grows quickly and with few pesticides or external interferences. The quick-growing nature of the plant means it can be harvested and grown again without largely impacting the environment around it. It also doesn’t require excessive irrigation. Plus, bamboo absorbs carbon, helping to reduce the emissions in the atmosphere.

So, what makes bamboo so suitable for bedding?

The benefits of bamboo bedding

Super soft texture

There’s nothing better than sinking into super soft sheets at the end of the day, and that’s precisely what bamboo fabric provides – the ultimate soft fabric. This material has been likened to the smoothness of silk as it glides across the skin and it is also very lightweight. This smooth texture makes it ideal for bedding, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.

Breathable

Bamboo bedding fabric has tiny holes within the weave, which allow the material to breathe. So, you’re less likely to feel hot and bothered when you’re in bed, even in summer temperatures.

Thermo-regulating properties

Bamboo has a natural superpower – thermo-regulation. This means the material keeps you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. While cotton offers similar elements, bamboo is more effective and more sustainable, so making it a popular option for bedding.

Moisture-wicking properties

Alongside its thermo-regulation powers, this material also works to wick moisture away from the skin. So, if you’re feeling the heat in bed, bamboo naturally reduces the moisture on your skin and helps you feel more comfortable.

Anti-bacterial properties

Bamboo fabric also provides some anti-bacterial properties. This is ideal for sustainable linens, as they stay fresher for longer. Bamboo may also be suitable for those with sensitive skin as this additional property keeps bacteria and odours at bay.

Hypoallergenic

If you have sensitive skin, bamboo is a top choice in eco-friendly bedding. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, which reduces skin irritations and some allergic reactions. However, to ensure the origins of the material, opt for organic bamboo fabrics to eliminate traces of chemicals that may have been used within the production process.

Crease-resistant

Don’t like ironing bed sheets? Then bamboo sheets are for you. The texture and composition of this material mean it doesn’t crease easily even after you’ve washed it numerous times. If you want to run the iron over it, low heat will quickly remove any wrinkles.

Durable

When investing in eco-friendly bedding, you want it to be long-lasting, and that’s what makes bamboo appealing. In addition, bamboo fabric is highly durable, similar to cotton.

Machine-washable

Practical bedding needs to be machine-washable, and bamboo is despite its soft texture. The durability and elasticity of this material mean it will hold its integrity even when washed frequently.

Biodegradable

There’s a huge issue currently with the amount of synthetic fabric going into landfill that takes hundreds of years to degrade. With bamboo bedding, its natural composition makes it biodegradable – and it’ll decompose in around one year.

Bamboo vs cotton

Cotton is another natural fibre as it is created from the cotton plant. Bamboo and cotton fabrics are typically popular choices for bedding as they have similar properties such as durability, breathability and hypoallergenic benefits. 

However, bamboo bedding does have some advantages over cotton in regards to its anti-bacterial properties, insulating factors and moisture-wicking abilities.

In addition, cotton sustainability credentials often differ from bamboo.

Is cotton eco-friendly?

As cotton is made from a plant, it’s often natural to assume this is an eco-friendly material. However, conventionally grown cotton has a number of negative impacts on the environment. Unlike bamboo, the crops require a vast amount of water.

In addition, chemicals and pesticides are used to speed up growth due to cotton’s popularity. This causes several issues for local growers and the immediate environment. Soil also suffers due to degradation.

However, not all cotton is produced equally, and there are eco-friendly alternatives such as organic cotton. Organic cotton production means no toxic chemicals are used in production and ethical ways of farming reduce the overuse of water too.

Eco-friendly initiatives at Victoria Linen 

Choosing eco-friendly bedding doesn’t just stop at selecting the best sustainable linens. For example, at Victoria Linen, our eco-conscious practices go beyond the material.

When you purchase from us, our products come packaged in recyclable paper with minimal labelling. So you can put them straight into roadside recycling. If you order more than one item, we do our best to package everything together to reduce paper usage. Plus, cardboard boxes or paper sacks are utilised for larger items.

Our materials are always the best quality, and where possible, fabrics and items are sourced locally to minimise carbon footprint. For example, duvets are made in Scotland and all our bedding products are made in-house in Lancashire.

Another aspect of our business we take seriously is waste. It’s natural to have some in bedding manufacturing, but everything is sorted into useable off-cuts for repurposing. These off-cuts are donated to local schools, groups and colleges who transform them into functional items.

Choosing eco-friendly linens is easy with our range of bamboo bedding options. So, if you’re looking for more inspiration on the best sustainable bedding designs, browse our collection to find your favourite. Or contact our team – we’ll be happy to answer any questions.