The Science Behind Kickee’s Bamboo Fabric: How Tanboocel® Fiber Ensure

At KicKee, we are committed to providing high-quality, products that are considerate of both the environment and the families we serve. Our exclusive blend of bamboo material is crafted using Tanboocel® bamboo fiber, renowned for its exceptional properties and sustainable production process. Not all "viscose from bamboo" products are created equal and we would love to share with you why our standards and procedures create top quality products that last.

In this article, we’ll dive into how Tanboocel® fiber is made, the closed-loop chemical process involved, and why it stands apart in the bamboo textile industry.

What Is Tanboocel® Bamboo Fiber?

Tanboocel® bamboo fiber is a regenerated cellulose fiber made through an advanced, non-polluting process that preserves the natural benefits of bamboo while meeting modern sustainability standards.

The bamboo used to create this fiber is organically grown and certified by the Organic Crops Improvement Association International (OCIA). This certification guarantees that the bamboo is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, preserving both the environment and the health of farmers and consumers.

Why Tanboocel® Fiber?

Higher fiber density: Compared to conventional viscose bamboo fibers, Tanboocel® fibers have a larger, denser structure, which enhances their antibacterial properties, durability, and breathability.
Softer and stronger fabric: The density of the fiber ensures better moisture absorption, silky softness, and long-lasting wear.
Strict environmental regulations: The production process complies with rigorous environmental standards required in the production of bamboo fiber, ensuring closed-loop chemical processing to minimize pollution. yzrvnz.com
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 Certified: Tanboocel® fiber has passed rigorous testing for harmful substances, making it safe and free from harmful chemicals.

Understanding the Production Process: How Bamboo Becomes Fabric

Transforming natural bamboo into ultra-soft Tanboocel® fiber involves a carefully monitored process that ensures both efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Step 1: Extracting Cellulose from Bamboo
Bamboo plants are harvested and broken down into pulp, which contains natural cellulose—the core component needed for fiber production. The extracted cellulose is then purified for use in fabric production.

Step 2: The Role of Caustic Soda in the Process
One of the key chemicals used in this process is sodium hydroxide (NaOH), commonly known as caustic soda.

Caustic soda is a widely used and safe chemical found in many industries, including:

- Food production (e.g., cocoa processing, olive curing)
- Soap and bio-diesel manufacturing
- Paper production
- Textile processing, including organic cotton

Because caustic soda is an alkali, it helps break down the bamboo’s rigid structure, allowing the cellulose fibers to be separated and reformed into yarn. Importantly, caustic soda is approved for textile use under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), ensuring that it is used responsibly in fabric production.

Step 3: The Closed-Loop Chemical Recycling Process
One of the biggest environmental concerns in textile production is the potential release of harmful chemicals into the environment. Kickee’s bamboo fabric production follows a closed-loop system, ensuring that chemicals are safely recycled and reused rather than being released into the air, water, or soil.

Here’s how this closed-loop system works:

- 100% of the chemicals used in the production process are contained and recaptured in a hermetically sealed environment.
- 73% of carbon disulfide (CS2) is recovered and reused for future production cycles.
- 26% of CS2 is converted into sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is further repurposed for industrial applications.
- No harmful emissions are released into the factory, air, or surrounding ecosystems as required by law.

By recycling and repurposing these chemicals, Tanboocel® fiber production significantly reduces waste and pollution

Why Tanboocel® Bamboo Fabric Is the Future

At KicKee, we believe that sustainability goes hand in hand with luxury. Our exclusive bamboo fabric blend, milled to our exact specifications with a minimum fabric weight of 220 gsm, provides an unparalleled combination of softness, durability, and considerate production practices from the bamboo pulp to the finished product.

Key Benefits of KicKee’s Bamboo Fabric

✔ Ultra-Soft Feel – Our bamboo fabric is silky smooth, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin.
✔ Eco-Friendly Production – The closed-loop process ensures that chemicals are recycled and reused, minimizing environmental impact.
✔ Hypoallergenic & Antibacterial – Thanks to its natural properties and high-density fiber structure, Tanboocel® bamboo fabric helps resist odors and bacterial growth. fashionandtextiles.springeropen.com
✔ OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified – Ensuring that our fabric is free from harmful substances and safe for babies, children, and adults.
✔ Sustainable Sourcing – The bamboo used is organically grown, pesticide-free, and certified by OCIA.

Our Commitment to a Greener Future

While no textile production process is 100% “green”, we are committed to continuously improving our sustainability efforts. By using Tanboocel® bamboo fiber and a closed-loop chemical process, we minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency, and provide high-quality textiles that will last.