The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action earlier this month against four brands that sell “bamboo” apparel and fabrics by issuing false-advertising actions and fines. The FTC decided to take action because it claimed the companies – ecoKashmere, Pure Bamboo, Bamboo Comfort, and BambooBaby – were promoting rayon fabrics as “bamboo,” under the pretext that the original feedstock cellulose used to fabricate the rayon came from bamboo wood.
The agency noted that while rayon can be fabricated from a cellulose base that originates from bamboo wood, the cellulose must first undergo a harsh chemical process that releases a damaging pollutant into the air. In addition to the environmental hazard of the manufacturing process, the chemical process used to make rayon alters the bamboo plant’s natural antimicrobial properties. The FTC charged the companies for falsely marketing their “bamboo” products made with rayon as environmentally friendly and in some instances biodegradable.
“As manufacturers in the outdoor industry are very conscious about maintaining the credibility of ‘environmentally friendly’ products, it is important to raise awareness about this issue to reinforce that credibility,” said Alex Boian, director of trade policy
