When it comes to choosing a new functional sole for a patient, one not only takes into account its technical properties but also its look and feel. The choice of material is something that is also becoming increasingly important. Sustainable materials such as bamboo then quickly attract attention. And rightly so! Because bamboo as an covering fabric has many advantages. What are these advantages? We list them all in this blog.
What is bamboo?
Bamboo is a species of grass and the covering fabric is made from the species Moso. This is one of the fastest-growing species of bamboo. In the year 2000, China discovered how to make clothes from bamboo. Since then, it is impossible to imagine the garment industry without it and more and more different applications arose, such as processing in curtains and as covering fabric for the orthopaedic and podiatry sector.
The advantages of bamboo covering
Sustainability
Producing cotton or other fabrics used in today’s covering fabrics is hugely damaging to the environment. Bamboo, on the other hand, is a lot more environmentally friendly. Bamboo’s carbon footprint is 63% less than cotton and 64% less water is used during the production process. It is grown sustainably and it grows incredibly fast. The Moso variety used for clothing or covering can grow almost 1 metre per day. This means there is a new harvest every 8-10 weeks. And when the plant is cut down, it grows again by itself. Bamboo is thus an inexhaustible source of raw materials.
Not convinced yet? Furthermore, growing bamboo requires 70% less pesticides than cotton or other commodities. The Moso variety is not eaten by pandas, so no one loses their tasty lunch.
Silky-smooth
The bamboo cover fabric feels soft and smooth. Its round and smooth structure makes it feel comfortable on the skin. The cover fabric does not irritate the skin, so it is perfect for people with sensitive skin or diabetic patients. Bamboo feels like a second skin.
Good for the skin
An allergen is a substance that triggers allergic reactions in people. Hypoallergenic means there are fewer substances in a product to which you can react allergically. So even if your patient has sensitive skin, he can wear bamboo. This is because it is a hypoallergenic fabric. Another advantage of bamboo is that it is antibacterial, so it stays fresher longer and does not cause skin irritations. Especially people with eczema experience many benefits when wearing bamboo.
Thermo-regulating
Bamboo upholstery is warming but is also breathable. In summer, bamboo has a cooling effect and in winter it is warmer than cotton. The open structure of bamboo provides thermo-regulating comfort. So your patient can wear bamboo in all seasons.
UV-protection
Another fun fact: if your body is overexposed to Uv rays, it can have long-term negative effects on your health. Bamboo is naturally UV-protective and filters 98% of harmful Uv rays.
Quality
Despite bamboo’s soft and open structure, it is a very strong material. This gives the covering material a long lifespan. The fabric does not crease, is anti-static and washable.
No sweat
Bamboo fibres are full of microscopic holes, making it well-ventilated. Bamboo also absorbs up to 70% more moisture than cotton. The moisture evaporates faster, leaving the patient feeling dry and fresh for longer.
