What happens to the fabric when it is discarded

Short answer: Pure cellulose fibres break down in nature over months to years. Blends with elastane or polyester do not, because the plastic remains.

Cellulose breaks down

Bamboo viscose, cotton and lyocell are cellulose and can be broken down by microorganisms under the right conditions. The speed depends on moisture, temperature and on which dyes and finishes were used.

Blends make it complicated

A garment with five percent elastane cannot break down completely. The cellulose disappears and the plastic remains as fine threads. That is why pure materials are easier to dispose of. See bamboo clothing for women.

What to do with worn out clothing

Take textiles to textile collection rather than general waste. If a garment is too worn to wear, it can still go into recycling. Cut off buttons and zips if that is required. See bamboo clothing for men and bamboo underwear for women.

Frequently asked questions

Can bamboo clothing be composted at home

Only if it is pure cellulose with no elastane, and even then it takes a long time.

Are dyes a problem for breakdown

Modern reactive dyes are bonded to the fibre. The quantity is small but it does not vanish on its own.

Can bamboo viscose be recycled

Processes exist for cellulose, but blends make recycling harder.