Lesson #4 - "Bamboo - an eco-plastic with many uses"

Not everyone realizes how bamboo has revolutionized the market. While it used to be associated mainly with green shoots and pandas that love it, today - more and more people are beginning to notice its presence in the composition of a wide variety of products - from cosmetics, furniture and towels to eco-friendly dishes. Undoubtedly, it has become an opportunity to reduce the amount of plastic from circulation, thanks to the options available with it. Since we are facing such opportunities - why shouldn't we use alternatives? Undeniably, this is how we can improve the quality of the environment - how? Today we will take a closer look at the material bamboo, its characteristics, as well as the production for which it is used.

Bamboo - characteristics of the material

For the very introduction we have prepared an interesting fact - most people think that bamboo is a tree, due to the fact that its shoots to some extent resemble the shape of a trunk, while the truth is that it is a grass that can reach up to 40 meters in height. Getting to the heart of the subject - it is worth knowing that there are a myriad of species of this plant, and so far as many as 1,500 have already been isolated. What is particularly beautiful about it is its robustness, lightness and different colors - you can come across stems in yellow, green, and even brown and red. The more varieties of the plant, the more possibilities for its use - it is estimated that there are as many as 1,000 different ways in which bamboo finds use.

Black disposable bamboo straws 6/200 mm packaged in 250 pieces not only look elegant and aesthetically pleasing, but also last much longer.

Growing bamboo - what conditions are best for it?

Almost every year there is an increase in the number of companies that abandon the production of local food in favor of growing this very plant. The reason is one, but a key one - it is more profitable. The good news is that the aforementioned raw material is environmentally friendly, thanks to the fact that it handles parasites, mold and fungi very well on its own - there is no need to use any plant protection products and pesticides. One can even say that the requirements of bamboo are minimal:

• it does not need a large amount of water;
• it absorbs carbon dioxide;
• it grows in places that receive sunlight or are slightly shaded;
• it thrives well when there is high humidity.

The growth rate of the bamboo is surprisingly fast - imagine that every day it can extend by up to 90 cm. By far the preponderance of this raw material is found in South and East Asia, as well as in South America. Specifically, we are talking about areas such as China, India, Japan, Java and Chile.

Properties of bamboo - what substances does it contain?

Bamboo shoots, as well as its leaves, contain a lot of active substances (more than 500). Importantly, they are extremely valuable - we can specify, among others: potassium, calcium, iron, fructose, silicon, sodium, protein, amino acids and enzymes. It is not without reason that one comes across their contribution to the production of cosmetics and foodstuffs.

Moisture and odor absorbing bamboo charcoal 4 x 75g - this solution will help you get rid of toxins from your immediate environment and maintain the right level of moisture in it.

Bamboo products - a range of possibilities and a variety of ways to use it

There are several industries and areas of everyday life where bamboo shoots are commonly used, and in a number of different ways.

1. Bamboo - a material used in the production of objects and eco-friendly dishes

Bamboo does a good job as a material for making eco-friendly dishes and other everyday products, such as straws and cutlery. Besides, thanks to its absorbent properties, it is the basis for the production of soft, antibacterial and absorbent fibers - for this reason, the following are also made from it: towels, handkerchiefs and moisture and odor absorbers.

2. Generating energy from bamboo

Natural raw materials also contribute to the generation of biothermal energy. The merit of this possibility is their thermally conductive properties. In addition, bamboo has the ability to produce and convert energy, but it is still said to have a rather low efficiency - it is possible that this will change in the future.

3. Construction and bamboo shoots - how can their durability be used during construction?

The bamboo plant, due to its high strength and flexibility, is very helpful when building a roof, walls or pillars, and, importantly, it is resistant to moisture and rust.

4. Bamboo extract - food and cosmetic industry

The fact is that bamboo shoots can be eaten, but the most common use for foodstuffs and cosmetics is its extract. Drinks are produced from it, which have many medicinal properties, helping, for example, to maintain normal blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and even have a role in the process of detoxification of the body. In addition, bamboo has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair and skin, so the market for shampoos, masks or washing gels with it in the composition continues to grow.

Two rolls of kitchen towels made of bamboo 22 cm is a great example of a product that no kitchen can do without.Its uniqueness lies in its 100% naturalness, which makes it suitable for allergy sufferers and people with skin problems.

How are organic bamboo products made?

Surely you are wondering how natural products are made from the hollow shoots of bamboo. The whole process is extremely simple, and this is all due to the strength and flexibility of this material. The production of eco-friendly dishes, towels, straws or handkerchiefs is most often done in one of these two ways:

• Cutting the woody stems into thin strips, and then gluing them together to form the target shape.
• Forming a fibrous mass (pulp), which is subjected to mechanical, thermal and chemical treatment to obtain the given form.

What bamboo products are available from SlowPack?

SlowPack is an eco-friendly wholesaler that constantly delivers high-quality products to the hands of customers , which are a great alternative to products made from plastic or other plastics. Importantly, they perform perfectly in practice, in addition, they are fully safe for our health.

In our offer you will find a variety of products made of bamboo, they include:

• disposable bamboo straws;
• reusable bamboo straws;
• bamboo cutlery;
• bamboo fingerfood dishes;
• bamboo towels;
• bamboo toothbrushes;
• bamboo toothbrush cup;
• bamboo ear sticks;
• bamboo handkerchiefs;
• activated charcoal from bamboo.  

As you can see for yourself - you have a range of options so that you too can give yourself and others the best by eliminating harmful plastic from circulation.