BAM Hobbs / Trewortha Bamboo Baselayer

RRP: £49 Target price: £25 British-based BAM have pioneered bamboo-derived fabric in outdoor kit, their proposition being that it’s just as soft, breathable and odour-resistant as merino wool but without a) the animal involvement and b) the itch factor. But crucially, they also claim it’s ecologically sound too, so much so that the brand has pledged to become ‘climate-positive’ by 2030; ie, doing more good than harm through its processes. “Unlike fossil fuel-based synthetics, bamboo viscose is made from natural, renewable raw materials and is biodegradable,” says BAM’s sustainability manager Merryn Chilcott (pictured). “Bamboo is also a lower-impact crop than cotton or hardwood trees because it needs little to no irrigation or pesticides, grows rapidly so needs less land, can be harvested without damaging surrounding habitats, and even has the potential to store carbon and regenerate soil health.” Hazardous chemicals have to be used in producing viscose, but

BAM say their processes are strictly monitored to minimise emissions.

Finally, being so odourrepellent, their products need less washing than standard synthetics. “We have calculated that 26% of the carbon emissions from the lifecycle of our clothing comes from our customers’ laundry habits,” adds Merryn. “We are on a mission to prove that bamboo clothing stays fresher for longer so it doesn’t need to be washed so often.”

Each BAM product – including the excellent Hobbs and Trewortha baselayers pictured here – gives details of the positive impacts of its creation, which in this case includes 842.3L of water saved, 2.6kg of emissions avoided, and 3.4m2 of land farmed without pesticides. NH bambooclothing.co.uk

WHAT COULD BE BETTER?

There’s a carbon issue in that bamboo doesn’t grow naturally in Europe so it has to be imported. But then, so does merino. It’s a trade we have to accept, offset (hopefully) by longevity.