We often get asked - are bamboo socks REALLY sustainable? In today's fashion industry, the quest for sustainability has become more crucial than ever. As consumers seek eco-friendly alternatives, it's essential to understand the sustainability profiles of different fibres. In this blog post, we will compare and evaluate three commonly used fibres: bamboo, cotton, and polyester. 

To be able to make informed choices that promote sustainability in the apparel industry, we examined all stages of the lifecycle of an apparel -  right from production of raw material to disposal of old & discarded clothes.

 

 

Bamboo Fibre

Bamboo fibre has gained popularity due to its eco-friendly reputation. We explored its sustainability features at each life stage to answer the question - “Are bamboo socks REALLY sustainable?”.

 

Production of Raw Material

• Sustainable Growth: Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that requires no pesticides or fertilizers. It regenerates quickly and can be harvested without damaging the environment. In fact, bamboos are effective carbon dioxide absorbers, not only above ground carbon (AGC), but also below-ground carbon (BGC) in roots, and rhizomes. According to a paper submitted by Kerala Forest Research Institute, “Bamboo potentially acts as a valuable sink for carbon storage, and on an average, one hectare of bamboo absorbs about 17 tonnes of carbon per year.”

• Land Use: Bamboo can grow in diverse climates, including areas unsuitable for agriculture, reducing competition for arable land.

 

Processing of Raw Material into Usable Fibre

• Chemical Processing: Truth be told, harsh chemicals like carbon disulphide, sodium hydroxide & caustic soda involved in the manufacturing process of bamboo fibre aren’t always being properly managed, which leads to health and environmental issues. Many manufacturers often dump the wastewater into local water bodies. Therefore, it becomes important to ensure responsible manufacturing practices such as ‘closed loop system’, in which the chemicals, instead of being released into the environment, are recycled back into the process and reused.

 

Manufacturing of Apparel

• Energy Efficiency: Bamboo fibre manufacturing generally requires less energy compared to cotton or polyester.

Transportation of Goods

• Proximity to Manufacturing: Sourcing bamboo fibre from regions close to manufacturing facilities can reduce carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation.

 

Maintenance and Lifespan

• Durability: Bamboo fibre products are known for their durability, extending the lifespan of garments and reducing the need for frequent replacements. Bamboo fibre is known for its strength and resilience, resulting in longer-lasting products.

• Washing and Care: Bamboo fibre garments typically require gentle washing with cold water, reducing energy consumption and extending the life of the product.

 

Disposal of Products

• Biodegradability: Bamboo fibre is biodegradable, meaning it can break down naturally without leaving harmful residues. Proper composting or recycling of bamboo garments can minimize waste.

Cotton Fibre

Cotton is a widely used fibre in the fashion industry. Let's examine its sustainability features at each life stage:

 

Production of Raw Material

• Conventional Cotton: Traditional cotton cultivation involves extensive water usage and the application of pesticides, which have adverse environmental impacts. Based on several estimates, cotton requires 2,700 litres of water to produce one t-shirt, and globally, cotton cultivation accounts for 220 million tonnes of CO2 per annum. 

• Organic Cotton: Opting for organic cotton eliminates the use of synthetic pesticides and reduces water consumption, making it a more sustainable choice.

 

Processing of Raw Material into Usable Fibre

• Chemical Intensive: Cotton fibre production often requires significant chemical processing, including bleaching and dyeing. Consider opting for eco-friendly and low-impact dyeing processes.

 

Manufacturing of Apparel

• Water Consumption: Cotton fibre processing consumes large amounts of water. Implementing water-saving techniques and recycling systems in manufacturing facilities can mitigate its environmental impact.

Transportation of Goods

• Proximity to Manufacturing: Sourcing cotton from regions near manufacturing facilities reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation.

Maintenance and Lifespan

• Washing and Care: Cotton garments typically require higher water temperatures and more energy-intensive washing processes. Encouraging consumers to adopt eco-friendly laundry practices can minimize the environmental footprint.

Disposal of Products

• Biodegradability: Cotton is biodegradable, allowing it to break down naturally. Proper disposal, composting, or recycling of cotton garments reduces waste.

 

Polyester Fibre

Polyester is a synthetic fibre which is primarily derived from fossil fuels. Recycled polyester, known as rPET, is produced by collecting and processing post-consumer polyester products, such as plastic bottles, and transforming them into new polyester fibres. 

Most sports apparel and activewear are made up of polyester, including Dri-FIT and AEROREADY because of its light weight, moisture wicking and wrinkle free properties.

Production of Raw Material

• Non-Renewable Resource: Polyester is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels, contributing to resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Energy Efficiency: Polyester production requires less energy compared to cotton.

Processing of Raw Material into Usable Fibre

• Chemical Intensive: Polyester production involves chemical processes that may have environmental and health implications. Encouraging responsible chemical management and waste treatment is crucial.

Manufacturing of Apparel

• Durability: Polyester garments are known for their durability, which extends their lifespan and reduces the frequency of replacement.

Transportation of Goods

• Weight: Polyester garments are lightweight, reducing fuel consumption during transportation.

Maintenance and Lifespan

• Washing and Care: A 2017 International Union for Conservation of Nature report estimated about 35 percent of the microplastics that enter the ocean come via the synthetic textiles. A substantial portion of it (we don’t know how much) actually comes from washing machines as microplastics from synthetic fibers are broken from the cloth during the wash and eventually find their way into the ocean.

• Durability: Polyester's durability allows garments to withstand multiple washes and wear, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Disposal of Products

• Recycling Opportunities: Polyester can be recycled and transformed into new fibres. Promoting recycling programs and using recycled polyester (rPET) contributes to a circular economy. But in reality, only around 15-20 percent of polyester fibers produced worldwide come from recycled materials, which means that the majority of these clothes still end up in landfills.

 

Conclusion

Understanding the sustainability profiles of bamboo, cotton, and polyester fibres throughout their life stages is crucial in making eco-conscious choices in the apparel industry. By considering factors such as raw material production, processing, manufacturing, transportation, maintenance, and end-of-life disposal, we can support the development of a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.

Remember, sustainable fashion involves responsible manufacturing processes, fair labor practices, and ethical sourcing. By supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency, we can collectively drive positive change and shape a more sustainable future for the apparel industry.