Many nappies are made from bamboo fabric, but it is perhaps not immediately clear what bamboo fabric is and how it is made.  We felt that we should include some more information about bamboo fabric here, so that you can make an informed choice.

The bamboo fabric used to make nappies and other soft textiles is a viscose.  Viscose is a man-made (regenerated) fibre, made from the cellulose found in plants and trees. 

Viscose is not a synthetic fibre like polyester or nylon.  It is defined as a "semi-synthetic" fibre.  It is "natural" in that it is not made from man-made materials.  However, it is a manufactured regenerated fibre.

Viscose is defined by the process used to make it, rather than the base material.  Viscose can be made from many different base materials, such as wood pulp, soya and, in this case, bamboo. 

Bamboo is generally considered to be a more sustainable resource than cotton.  Bamboo grows quickly and easily, without the need for pesticides, whereas cotton is a slower-growing crop and is more prone to pests and disease. 

Certainly bamboo has much to offer and works well as a nappy fabric.  It is more absorbent than cotton, feels softer (and retains its softness better) and is less bulky. 

We are not trying to promote bamboo fabric over any other, but neither do we wish to disparage it.  Like anything, it is down to personal choice.  There are pros and cons to any fabric, and unfortunately every nappy will have some environmental impact.  But hopefully, with the right information, you can make the choice that is right for you.

If you would like any more information, please contact us.