Bamboo comes from China, from areas under German supervision and is FSC certified. This means that the wood comes from sustainable logging and good working conditions are sought. After China, the bamboo pulp is shipped to Portugal for processing. Spinning, weaving and colouring all happen in Portugal at an 80km radius.
In Portugal, the stitchers of the small-scale family business also receive bonuses on top of their wages (which are above the minimum wage). In China, the German supplier oversees good working conditions. During her visits to Portugal, Fina also always goes to work among the seamstresses to maintain contact. At COSH! we are delighted that Bamboo Belgium is so closely involved in the production process.
Fina finds it important that everyone in the chain earns a fair wage. She, therefore prefers not to see sales and markdowns, which means that someone throughout the production chain is not earning enough on the garment.
Bamboo is often too quickly hailed as a sustainable fibre at COSH! we are critical. Although bamboo grows very quickly and pays for itself quickly, the usual processing often requires a lot of chemicals and large amounts of water. Production usually occurs in China, and the environmental impact can often be disputed.
The production process to turn wood pulp into viscose yarn is controversial and unfortunately known for using harmful chemicals. The German company managing the production site in China incorporates all alkali chemicals into production. Everything is thus reused and not simply discharged into nature. Exhaust gases from condensation and heating are filtered, and wastewater is treated with ‘vitreoscilla ferment’ and is afterwards completely safe for watering fields.
On top of this, Bamboo Belgium works with Portuguese producers who comply with European REACH regulations on chemicals. Spinning and further processing in Portugal follows a ‘dry-spun’ process, which means that no water is used during processing, which is a plus for the environment.
For the Jersey jumper, Bamboo Belgium works with 95% bamboo and 5% elastane fabrics. Elastane is added to keep the garment strong and stretchy, giving it a longer lifespan and greater comfort. Several jumpers and Jersey jumpers also contain 10% hemp, in addition to 85% bamboo and 5% elastane. Finally, the collection also includes bedding made of 100% bamboo satin fabrics in blue, black, white and ecru.
To improve wearing comfort, elastane is added to the jersey collection. This makes recycling slightly more difficult, but because of this, it also keeps its shape better when worn frequently. The 100% bamboo satins in blue, black, white and ecru are perfectly recyclable thanks to the use of only one material.
You can also have your purchase repaired by Bamboo Belgium. Thus, The brand ensures you can enjoy your cute dress, jumper or T‑shirt even longer.
Because the suppliers in Portugal are located on a small scale from each other (max 80 km), transport can be limited. Still, Bamboo Belgium does not have an immediately short chain, as the bamboo comes from China. To curb CO2 emissions due to transport, the deliveries for the brand combine these long transports.
Transporting their jumpers, dresses, tops and pullovers is also sustainable. Bamboo Belgium works with Greenway, a subdivision of DHL. They guarantee as few transports as possible to deliver the orders as efficiently and environmentally friendly as possible. In addition, all packages are shipped without plastic, super unique! The products are packed in recycled silk paper.
Bamboo Belgium does not use any materials of animal origin and is, therefore completely vegan! Because the bamboo also does not require pesticides or insecticides, its cultivation does not harm neighbouring ecosystems either.
Bamboo Belgium’s clothes are timeless and do not change seasonally. The brand thus aims to slow down the fast fashion movement. Bamboo Belgium offers good quality and a smart fit that can last season after season.
COSH! gained insight into all certificates and the supply chain. This allows us to guarantee the above and gives Bamboo Belgium a high transparency score from us.
We traced the production chain for Bamboo Belgium and thoroughly researched the suppliers involved in processing bamboo from wood into textiles for Bamboo Belgium’s sustainable dresses, jumpers and trousers. And it has to be said; that Fina Van Beul is definitely at the forefront of sustainable bamboo production and has taken every step of the production process into account.
Conclusion
Bamboo Belgium makes clothes that are beautiful, comfortable and wearable, as well as made with respect for people and nature. Bamboo Belgium starts from the 17 SDGs (UN sustainable development goals) to produce as sustainably and inclusively as possible. We are fans of its transparency and sustainable bamboo production, an example for many.
