Bamboo is an ecologically friendly material that has been used across Asia for centuries but has been increasingly adopted around the world as a future sustainable material If you have bought bamboo plates, or a bamboo placemat or board, they will often say on the packaging that they are naturally antimicrobial, which makes them safer for babies and use with food alike. What makes bamboo inherently safer is a wonder of nature, the reason for which has only been formally discovered recently. What Is Antimicrobial? An antimicrobial material is any material or substance that kills and stops the growth of microorganisms such as fungi, viruses, parasites and bacteria. In the current circumstances avoiding the spread of viruses is exceptionally important in helping to protect our loved ones, and so we use antibacterial agents, hand sanitisers and cleaning products. Bamboo has been known to have antimicrobial properties for a very long time. However, the reason why was found in a study for a Textile Institute Journal, which tested the different properties of bamboo. The study found that the chemical lignin, the main part of what gives wood and bamboo its hard texture, is the primary part of what makes bamboo antimicrobial. This is also a reason why bamboo can be grown without pesticides, as it naturally protects itself when growing. What this means is that the inherent traits of bamboo stunt the growth of bacteria, and what is most fascinating is that this is the case regardless of how it is manufactured. Bamboo clothing, which is processed from fibres still maintains its antibacterial properties, which makes them kinder to the skin and smell less when worn. Also Read: The Benefits Of Bamboo Baby Products
