SUSTAINABLE BAMBOO TEXTILES & FLOORING

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Bamboo textiles and flooring are actually created from Bamboo “grass” which is the fastest growing plant on Earth—the giant sea kelp comes in second.  Bamboo rapid growth rate makes it a prolific carbon sequester.  Bamboo is a renewable resource that can reach its mature growth height in as little as three months.  Then it can be harvested every 5 to 7 years requiring very little cultivation.  When Bamboo is harvested it can self rejuvenate; with no assistance from farmers.  During harvest, the Bamboo is cut near the base, not uprooted, its extensive root system keeps the surrounding soil intact preventing soil erosion; while maintaining soil biodiversity and carbon sequestration.  In contrast, hardwood trees like Oak take decades to reach maturity and usually don’t grow back after they are cut & harvested; that includes cotton which requires the destruction of the entire tree during harvesting.  Bamboo does not consume large volumes of water compared to other crops like water-intensive cotton; it doesn’t even require mechanical irrigation relying instead on rain as it grows in its natural environment that does not compete with land or water needed for agriculture.  Bamboo grows densely even on nonarable land and is more productive per square foot, when compared to trees, requiring less land.  There are thousands of Bamboo species in the world.  Other types of popular soft and hardwood trees used for manufacturing wood products are Pine trees which takes almost 20 years to harvest and Oak which can take almost 80 years to harvest; both are non-rejuvenating once cut from their stump; requiring new seedlings to be planted.

Research has shown, Bamboo forest produces 35% more oxygen than a similar square area of hardwood trees.  Because of Bamboo fast metabolism rate, it is able to metabolize sunlight and carbon dioxide (CO₂) in to energy, with oxygen as a byproduct, at a higher rate.  This high rate of metabolism also facilitates Bamboo ability to sequester CO₂ at a higher volume than other trees.

Fun fact: the Bamboo species used for manufacturing textiles and floors are not the same species that giant Pandas eat in China; the largest producer of Bamboo textiles in the world.

BAMBOO TEXTILES:

While the bamboo grass is growing it produces a natural organic substance called “Kun” that neutralizes pathogens and fights off pest.  This makes bamboo a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial.  By comparison, cotton uses 25% of the worlds pesticides and insecticides.  However, very little of the antibacterial properties remain after bamboo is processed in to the finished products.  Clothing made of bamboo fabrics are known to be soft, moisture absorption, cooler, breathable, anti-static, machine washable in energy savings cold water and resistant to bacterial stains causing odors.  Also, bamboo fabric socks are known to resist the bacteria that causes athlete foot.  Another ability of bamboo fabric is its ability to whisk sweat off the skin that could come in contact with odor causing bacteria on the skin.  Sweat alone does not cause odors, but when it comes in contact with the bacteria on the skin they produce odors.  https://freeflyapparel.com/collections/mens  At the time of this writing, not enough, if any, research has been performed to reveal how viable are the inherent antimicrobial properties found in bamboo fabrics later in the manufactured product?

THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO PROCESS BAMBOO FIBERS: VISCOSE, LYOCELL & MECHANICAL:

Viscose is the chemical processing of cellulose from natural plant fibers (Bamboo, Cotton, Linen-Flax-or Hemp . . .) in to fabrics like Rayon.  Commercial production of Rayon started in 1891 as an economical substitute to expensive silk; it is a commercial name created by the U.S. National Retail Dry Goods Council to replace the word Viscose or artificial silk. Rayon is considered a semi-synthetic fabric due to the large amounts of chemicals involved in its manufacture.

Bamboo fabrics made from the wasteful viscose rayon process involves soaking the bamboo stem, stalk and leaves in solvents such as Carbon Disulfide; which is known to cause cardiovascular disease, damage the nervous system and cause strokes in the workers of this viscose manufacturing process.  Another step in the viscose process then extrudes the Rayon fibers in to a bath of Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda or Lye) which has the potential to cause corrosion and chemical burns to workers whom don’t have proper personal protective equipment (PPE).  The syrupy solvents break down the outer husk to release the softer inner bamboo cellulose.  The viscose solution is then strained and spun in to fibers for thread, clothing, paper or tissue . . .

The toxic chemicals have the potential to harm the workers.  The chemicals are not reused and the effluent causes environmental pollution through waste-water discharges.  According to the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) “carbon-disulfide-based viscose is no longer made within the U.S.” by order of the U.S. consumer protection agency, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2010 because the Viscose process does not meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.  Outside the U.S., where EPA standards have no jurisdiction, there have been reports of Rayon factories in India polluting tributaries to the Ganges River with chemical effluent; also, Rayon production in China poisoning workers and polluting rivers.

Also, the viscose process is not as sustainable as purported because it waste approximately 70% of the tree used to obtain the cellulose.

Bamboo made from the more environmentally friendly “Lyocell” process, developed in 1972 in the U.S., uses an organic solvent spinning manufacturing process—organic fibers are spun, not extruded like Rayon.  The Lyocell process dissolves the Bamboo pulp in N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) and demineralised water in a closed loop cycle that recovers, filters and reuses 99% - 99.5% of the organic solvent solution called “dope” multiple times.  Any solvents that enter the waste-water treatment system is degraded with only small trace amounts of nontoxic organic chemicals and salts in the form of Sodium Sulphate.  The Lyocell process was patented as Tencel® in the 1980s by the U.K. Courtaulds Fibres company.

The “Mechanical” method of producing bamboo linen is more labor intensive and expensive but most sustainable. The mechanical process is similar to the one used in the production of hemp and flax.  The bamboo leaves and stalk are mashed then natural enzymes are used to further break down the Bamboo cell walls.  The pulp fibers are combed in to strands then spun in to yawn.

BAMBOO Z-LING:

According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Textile Products Identification Act (Textile Act) and the FTC’s Textile Rules “Textiles can only be called bamboo if they are made directly from actual bamboo fiber.  Textiles made from rayon (or viscose, which is the same thing) that was created using bamboo as a plant source may be labeled and advertised as “rayon (or viscose) made from bamboo.” 

During this research, it was found that several advertisements from bamboo retailers for their bedroom, bath, clothing and accessaries were vague about the manufacturing method of the bamboo or bamboo blend (bamboo + cotton) in their products.

One exception found seems to be the company Ettitude (Short for Eco Attitude). Ettitude 100% Bamboo Lyocell, CleanBamboo™, uses a non-toxic solvent in a closed loop system that recycles 98% of the water used in the manufacturing process up to 200 times.  Their CleanBamboo™ manufacturing process requires less energy and produces a better quality bamboo fabric; much softer than rayon bamboo.  Their 1000 thread count—per square inch—sheets and blankets are very soft and smooth against the skin.  The closeness of the individual threads per square inch mean less gaps creating an almost silk like feeling when brushed against the skin.  Ettitude also claims their reusable packaging is made of 100% biodegradable bamboo designed to be resealed and reused; reducing waste.  Also, discarded water bottles are upcycled in the creation of their Down Alternative Comforter filing, pillow and eye masks.

Ettitude “products are made with Bamboo sourced by the not-for-profit Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) which certifies Bamboo harvesting and manufacturing practices meet sustainable standards. Also, their products have achieved STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® which test products against a list of up to 350 toxic chemicals that can negatively impact your health.

END-OF-LIFE:

End-of-life disposal of textiles made of Bamboo is a closed loop system since Bamboo is biodegradable.  Unlike Nylon and Polyester, which are made of synthetic polymers that can not become part of natures decomposition cycle anytime soon.

BAMBOO FLOORING:

Bamboo flooring requires less manufacturing processing compared to Bamboo textiles.  The Bamboo flooring is manufactured by slicing or shredding the stalk of the Bamboo plant.  Then it is all put back together again by adhering the pieces with resin, heat and direct pressure; respectively.

Bamboo floors are ideal for allergy sufferers because it does not harbor dust mites; which thrive in thick carpeting.  Dust mites and their excretions can cause allergies or asthma attacks in some individuals.  Bamboo flooring is resistant to mold and mildew.  While not waterproof, Bamboo is water resistant since it naturally grows in moist environments.

Bamboo is manufactured in a variety of styles comparable to hardwood floors.

Image courtesy of Flooring Clarity

Solid Strand Bamboo floors (Similar to OSB) are made of solid bamboo wood all the way through.  The way stranded Bamboo is made makes it more stronger and durable since the Bamboo pulp and resin are pressed into solid planks earning a 15.8 Kilonewtons on the Janka hardwood hardness scale. This would be applicable in an environments with heavy traffic or high impact.

Solid Strand Bamboo floors are stronger than engineered, vertical and horizontal Bamboo floors.

With Engineered Bamboo floors only the top layer is made of Bamboo while the layer underneath are made of plywood.  The number of times the wear layer can be sanded is limited before it becomes exhausted.

Vertical Bamboo floors (Vertical grains) have a uniform striped pattern.

Horizontal Bamboo floors (Flat grains) shows the natural appearance of the Bamboo; including the growth joints (nodes).

Natural—uncarbonized—and strand woven bamboo floors are more durable than most hardwood floors.  Also, natural bamboo floors have a biophilic appearance. Darker color Bamboo floors (coffee) are comparatively softer than hardwoods due to the carbonization process.   With carbonization, the Bamboo is subjected to heat that caramelizes the fibers a darker hue throughout the plank; unlike staining which only colors the surface.

Click-Lock Bamboo floors (Floating floors) are not adhered to the subfloor; no glue or nails are required.  The Click-Lock installation process is more forgiving and provides an opportunity to reposition the Bamboo planks for a desired pattern throughout the installation process. Some Click-Lock may loosen or unlock overtime; and may not be recommended for high traffic environments.

Image courtesy of HomeReference.Net

Tongue & Groove Bamboo floors requires glue or nails to adhere it to the underlayment. The use of an adhesive has the advantage of making the wooden planks quieter compared to the squeaks that comes when aged nails loosen their hold on wooden planks. The use of nails to adhere the Bamboo planks to the subfloor may be vulnerable to vibrations caused by the mobile Tiny Off-Grid House during transport? Tongue & Groove floors are best suited for high traffic environments due to their adhesion to the subfloor.

Before installation, the Bamboo floor planks should go through an acclimation process to the “controlled” ambient temperature of the installation environment to prevent distortions after installation.  The Bamboo planks should be unpackaged then crossed stack to allow air ventilation to flow through the stack.  Allow the exposed stack to stay protected from fluids for 3 - 5 days (more days in extreme humid regions) to complete the acclimation process.  If necessary, a dehumidifier maybe necessary in humid environments.  It is suggested to mix the Bamboo planks from different cartons to create an integrated color pattern once installed.  High traffic walkways may deserve the best Bamboo planks and patterns since they will be the most visible.

Screws, not nails, are used to secure the AdvanTech subfloor to the trailer joist.  Beside penetrating the Advantech subfloor, the screws should also penetrate the trailer joist atleast 1” and the screw head should be flush.  The Bamboo planks are laid perpendicular to the orientation of the trailer joists.  Each subfloor panel is laid with a minimum of 1/8” gap to the other.  Use seal tape to secure the ends of the AdvanTech® panels.  The bottom of the trailer is sealed with flashing, with close cell foam insulation within the trailer joist cavity; which provides R21 insulation for the sub floor. 

Natural Bamboo and Eucalyptus woods are hygroscopic (Absorbs moisture from the ambient air—humidity) causing expansion of the wood floor panels outward toward perimeter.  When the humidity decreases the wood floor panels will contract inward towards the center of the room; away from the perimeter.  Subsequently, a 1/4” expansion gap is necessary between the perimeter and vertical objects to allow for this seasonal movement of the floating panels. The Bamboo planks should be installed from wall to wall; even under cabinets and the loft floors.  To facilitate seasonal movement undercut the drywall and trim then install a 9/16” baseboard. 

MAINTENANCE:

Bamboo floors are easy to care for.  Unlike carpets, Bamboo floors does not accumulate dirt and it is easier to clean which is beneficial for allergy sufferers.  Regular sweeping or vacuuming can remove debris.  Also, regular damp mopping with an eco friendly soap and water solution can maintain a clean appearance.

Since the Bamboo plant in the wild naturally absorbs moisture, care should be taken to keep moisture off the Bamboo flooring and a low humidity environment.

FORMALDEHYDE & VOCs:

The use of natural Bamboo is inherently safe and ecofriendly.  However, it has been the adhesives, in the form of Formaldehyde, used to bind the layers of wooden boards: wood chips, shavings & sawdust that has been a concern of consumers.  When exposed to Formaldehyde for prolonged periods of time it can have a negative impact on human health.  The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Formaldehyde as a known carcinogen.  Formaldehyde is also a naturally occurring chemical—even produced by the human body—that has been used in the construction of the majority of household items for decades. Workers in industries like morticians, laboratories or chemical plants whom experience prolonged periods of exposure to Formaldehyde daily are more susceptible compared to occupants of a household exposed to the low levels of VOCs found in a home.

Formaldehyde used to manufacturer floors comes in two types: Urea Formaldehyde resin (CH2) or Phenolic Resin.  Quality manufacturers of Bamboo floors are able to manufacture Bamboo floors to near undetectable levels of < 0.05 PPM formaldehyde compared to the worlds most stringent standard set by the State of California, USA. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) #93120.2 Phase 2 (2012) set a limit of 0.05 PPM emissions for composite wood products.  (The European E1 standards for Formaldehyde is < 0.1 ppm).  Even Pine wood floors contain natural aromatic oils called terpenes which produce volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) that may cause discomfort for some people with allergies.

In the wood floor industry, solid strand Bamboo floors tend to use only phenol formaldehyde resins in their manufacturing process.  While engineered Bamboo floors use urea-formaldehyde in their manufacturing process that meet “No Added Urea Formaldehyde (NAUF) standards.

The Bamboo floors can be secured to the subfloor by adhesives, cleats/nails, floating or adhesives.  The two main objectives of determining a best method is vapor barriers, vibrations and humidity.

Cleats and nails are susceptible to becoming loose from potential vibrations in the mobile Tiny Off-Grid House; causing squeaks.  Due to the hardness of Strand woven Bamboo floors require atleast 18 gauge cleats and a high quality pneumatic nailer. Although measures will be taken to control humidity levels in the Tiny Off-Grid House, it is still a valid concern and would be wise to not ignore how elevated humidity levels can warp and loosen the cleats and nails from the Bamboo.  This has the potential to cause squeaks in the floor when walked on.  Indoor humidity levels will also limit the length of the Bamboo panels that can be installed.

Floating Bamboo panels still require a 3 in 1 underlayment with a built in vapor barrier and the application of adhesives on the inner joint of the tongue-and-groove panel or snap-lock.  The use of VOC free adhesives to secure Bamboo flooring in a Tiny Off-Grid House accommodates the vibrations and the contractions and expansions caused by seasonal cycles, humidity or transport.  An all-in-one adhesive that contains a vapor barrier with an upper moisture limit of atleast 10 lbs will help sustain an air tight envelope.  Another bonus of using an underlayment or adhesive is the benefit provided from sound insulation when walked on.

AIR QUALITY STANDARDS:

Since the Bamboo wood binders are a potential source of VOC emissions, the Bamboo floors that will be installed in the Tiny Off-Grid House should have some form of air quality standard from the flooring manufacturer.

For instance, FloorScore® Indoor Air Quality Certification for Flooring is the most recognized indoor air quality (IAQ) certification standard for flooring.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) #93120.2 Phase 2 (2012) standard for indoor air quality set a limit of no higher than 0.05 PPM emissions for composite wood products—which is the strictest international standard.  (The European E1 standards for Formaldehyde is only < 0.1 ppm).  Even Pine wood floors contain natural aromatic oils called terpenes which produce volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) that may cause discomfort for some people with chemical sensitivities.

UNDERLAYMENT:

Huber Engineered Woods AdvanTech X-Factor®  hydrophobic subfloor panels are made of an engineered wood strand orientation pattern that promotes strength and stiffness that prevents warping and squeaky floors. The subfloor uses Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) resin which does not contain phenol formaldehyde.   MDI penetrates the cell wall of the wood strands creating a durable bond between the wood strands for a “quiet stiff floor.”  A water shedding surface protects the panels against edge swelling or delimitation that can result from water absorption.  Installation is easier through the use of tongues and grooves that provides edge-to-edge support eliminating shifting of panels.  The joints are then sealed with Huber adhesive flashing tape or sealant. 

AdvanTech X-Factor®  wood density and resin coating to provide a stable subfloor to secure bamboo hardwood flooring and nails.

RADIANT HEATING:

Only engineered floating Bamboo flooring should be used with a radiant heating system since solid woods have a proclivity to shrink faster when exposed to the prolonged heat.  An underlayment of 2mm thickness should be used to protect and insulate the floor.

BAMBOO TOILET TISSUE:

There are many pro’s to using toilet tissue made from Bamboo.  One of the main pro’s is that Bamboo is a renewable resource. Bamboo toilet tissue does not clog toilets and is septic safe. Also, the Bamboo fibers are biodegradable and water soluble so they come apart easily. Bamboo toilet tissue are ideal for use with waterless toilets.

For more information on waterless toilets please read “Off-Grid Waterless Toilets.”

The texture of the Bamboo natural soft long fibers are great for people with sensitive skin or skin allergies.

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