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Material Deep Dive

Bamboo Viscose

Bamboo viscose scores 70/100: its climate impact estimate is moderate and biodegradability is strong, but conventional viscose production carries high chemical and pollution risks.

Regenerated

Virgin

End of Life

~1 year

95/100
Chemical Use

High

30/100
Pollution

High

35/100
Water Usage

838 L/kg

98/100
Carbon Footprint

3 kg CO₂/kg

80/100
Considerations

The viscose process uses hazardous chemicals—bamboo's benefits don't cancel this out

Pollution depends heavily on the factory's environmental controls

Marketing often overstates sustainability by focusing on bamboo rather than processing

Look for OEKO-TEX or EU Ecolabel certified options

Strengths

Bamboo grows quickly with minimal water and pesticides

Biodegrades naturally at end of life

No microplastic shedding

Bamboo can sequester carbon during growth

Carbon Footprint Analysis

80/100

Bamboo Viscose produces approximately 3 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of fiber.

The Data

Carbon Footprint

3 kg CO₂/kg

FSI Carbon Score

80/100

Sources: Higg Materials Sustainability Index, Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Report

Sustainability Breakdown

Microplastic risk

None

Care level

Delicate

Available certifications

OEKO-TEX Standard 100, FSC, PEFC, CanopyStyle-aligned sourcing, EU Ecolabel (selected producers)

Key properties

breathable, soft, smooth, moisture-wicking, drapey, biodegradable, cooling, highly absorbent

Common uses

t-shirts, underwear, loungewear, activewear, dresses, blouses, baby clothing, socks, bedding, towels

Also known as

bamboo rayon, bamboo viscose rayon, regenerated bamboo fiber, bamboo cellulose fiber

Bamboo Viscose quick guide

Last updated: February 2026

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