At KicKee Pants, we are committed to providing high-quality, sustainable, and safe apparel for babies, kids, and adults. Our dedication to responsible manufacturing, transparency, and comfort ensures that you can trust our products for your family.
Organically Grown Assurance
KicKee Pants sources bamboo exclusively from farms that meet strict organic farming standards. All of our bamboo is supplied by Tanboocel® who holds two organic certifications: one from OCIA International and another from the US National Organic Program (USDA). These certifications affirm that our bamboo is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, ensuring an environmentally responsible and sustainable source. For more information about Tanboocel®, please see our blog!
Harmful Chemical-Free Assurance
We prioritize safety by ensuring our fabric meets rigorous chemical safety standards. The viscose from bamboo used in our products holds an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, which verifies that no harmful substances are present at the time of testing. Additionally, our final product holds its own OEKO-Tex Standard 100 certification, ensuring that both our material and our final product have met these rigorous standards. For more information about OEKO-Tex, please see our blog!
Additionally, KicKee Pants products comply with all CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) requirements including safe, snug fitting sleepwear.
Ethical & Environmental Manufacturing Practices
Our production facilities adhere to internationally recognized standards for quality and environmental responsibility:
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ISO 9000 Quality Management policies, ensuring strict quality control.
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ISO 14000 Environmental Management policies, promoting eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
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ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certifications, demonstrating a commitment to environmental mindfulness and product excellence.
Understanding Chemical Use in Processing Bamboo Fiber
One of the key chemicals used in the production of viscose from bamboo is sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). This is a widely used chemical in various industries, including food production, soap making, and textile processing. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) permits the use of caustic soda in textile manufacturing. When handled responsibly, it poses no significant health risks.
Tanboocel®, our fiber supplier, confirms that they use a closed-loop system, which recaptures 100% of the sodium hydroxide and 74% of the carbon disulfide used in processing. This minimizes environmental impact by recycling chemicals instead of releasing them into the environment. While viscose processing does have an environmental footprint, we believe it is comparable to or even lower than other fabric production methods, including organic cotton.
Dyeing Process & Safety
KicKee Pants uses low-impact, fiber-reactive dyes, which are the industry standard for sustainable, colorfast fabrics. These dyes are widely used in organic clothing manufacturing due to their reduced environmental impact compared to traditional dyeing methods.
For those seeking an undyed option, our "Natural" color is completely dye-free.
Is Bamboo Fabric Still Considered "Green"?
Absolutely. While viscose processing requires chemical intervention, the overall benefits of bamboo as a raw material far outweigh its challenges. Bamboo is an inherently sustainable crop due to its rapid growth rate, minimal need for irrigation, and natural resistance to pests. Here’s why we feel bamboo remains one of the most eco-friendly options:
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No replanting required: Bamboo regenerates naturally, reducing soil degradation and the need for artificial replanting.
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Carbon footprint reduction: Bamboo absorbs five times more carbon dioxide and produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent area of trees.
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Minimal land and water usage: Bamboo yields 10 times more fabric per acre than cotton while requiring significantly less water.
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Pesticide-free growth: Unlike conventional cotton, which relies heavily on chemical pesticides, bamboo thrives naturally without them.
For more information about why we use bamboo, please see our blog post
Is Bamboo Fabric Considered Rayon?
Yes. Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber, and viscose from bamboo falls under this category. The process of turning bamboo into fabric involves breaking down plant cellulose and reforming it into fibers. However, not all rayon production methods are equal. KicKee Pants ensures that our suppliers use advanced, environmentally responsible techniques to reduce chemical waste and emissions.
All KicKee Pants products are labeled in compliance with FTC (Federal Trade Commission) guidelines to ensure full transparency.
KicKee Pants remains committed to continuous improvement in sustainability, ethical production, and innovation. We actively encourage our suppliers to continue to develop greener processes and take pride in offering a product that balances comfort, safety, and environmental responsibility. Thank you for trusting KicKee Pants for your family's clothing needs!
