Robert Kos

Referred to as “the Black Diamond” in Japan and Southeast Asia, bamboo charcoal fiber use is an emerging trend in the fashion industry as manufacturers look to combine fashion with function.

Our Cool Anti-Odour fabric is a material embedded with nanoparticles of activated bamboo charcoal. Nanotechnology is defined as the “understanding, manipulation, and control of matter at the length mentioned above, thus, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials (individual atoms, molecules, and bulk matter) can be engineered, synthesized, or altered to develop the next generation of improved materials, devices, structures, and systems.” Hence, textile attributes such as softness, durability, water resistance and breathability can be enhanced with the use of Nanotechnology. The bamboo charcoal is created by heating bamboo at temperatures of 800 degrees and then the charcoal itself is processed and mixed in with fabrics as part of the growing field of nanotechnology.

MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
Bamboo charcoal yarn has a cross section filled with various micro-holes giving it better moisture absorption and ventilation than conventional fabrics. Bamboo charcoal fabric products can absorb and disperse perspiration quickly, making it feel dry and comfortable without sticking to your skin.

ODOUR CONTROL
Bamboo Charcoal fiber effectively decomposes the micro-organisms attached to its surface and in the air around it. The American Association for Testing and Materials ASTME2149-2001 fixation antibacterial activity of antibacterial agents dynamic testing method is adopted to study Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538 (gram-positive bacteria). And by testing the one-sided knitted fabric bamboo charcoal filament bacteriostatic antibacterial function, the results show that the inhibiting rate is 65%, antimicrobial rate is 84%. Because it does not harbour bacteria it will stay odour free for longer making it more hygienic and healthier.

WASH DURABILITY
As the bamboo charcoal nanoparticles are embedded in the fabric rather than simply coated on the surface, our Cool Anti-Odour fabric is washable without diminished effectiveness of the charcoal special qualities, even after 50 washes.

THERMAL REGULATION
Due to the porous nature of bamboo charcoal, our Cool Anti-Odour fabric products not only feel dry and cool during hot days, but they are also excellent insulators against the cold thanks to it’s microfibre structure.

UV PROTECTION
Constructed in our Cool Anti-Odour, our Layer One tops provides UPF 30, protecting yourself from overexposure to the sun ́s harmful UV rays prevents you from burning and reduces the risk of skin cancer.

RENEWABLE RESOURCE
Bamboo can grow on marginal land, not suitable for agriculture or forestry. Bamboo forest plantations reach maturity in 4-6 years and culms can be harvested 2-3 years later; trees typically are harvested after 20 to 50 years or more and bamboo releases 35% more oxygen than equivalent areas of trees. Bamboo Charcoal is produced from the rapidly growing Moso bamboo. Moso outperforms all other bamboos and hardwood varieties in carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen production. Annual harvest of mature stems does not harm the mother plant making it an endless resource. Since 20% of the entire world’s bamboo grows in China, it’s no big surprise that Moso is native to China. Because of consumer demand for green-certified products, China’s bamboo industry is committed to managing commercial bamboo groves, according to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®).