Bamboo branded merchandise – are they sustainable?

David Platt • 17 July 2023

Bamboo and promotional products

We are seeing bamboo appear more and more in the world of branded merchandise as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and wood. This prompts questions regarding what bamboo can be used for and if indeed it is a sustainable product. Let’s take a closer look into the realities of bamboo sustainability.

What Is Bamboo?

Bambusa vulgaris (common bamboo) – one of many species

Bamboo is a grass which is fast growing and is so sizable that it almost resembles a tree. It’s naturally renewable in that it can be harvested by cutting at the base and it will grow back the following year. It requires little maintenance to farm as it doesn’t need any pesticides or herbicides and very little water to grow.

There are over a thousand different species of bamboo in existence, growing naturally in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and in the southern regions of the USA. Whilst we associate bamboo with China this is not in any way exclusive.

In promotional merchandise bamboo is often thought of as a raw ingredient for clothing and a wood or plastic replacement. You will see used as the case for Bluetooth speakers or power banks, the stopper on bottles and as the base for phone chargers. One should not forget however that bamboo is also a common food source in some parts of the world. The shoots are commonly used in South Asian cuisine and is a low fat source of fibre. It’s not only pandas consuming bamboo in their diet.

Another property of bamboo is its tensile strength which is equivalent to that of many types of steel, which is one of the reasons bamboo is used in construction in Asia, both as a building materials and also for scaffolding etc.

Is Bamboo good for the environment?

Like most plants bamboo will absorb carbon dioxide and give out oxygen as it grows. However bamboo grows fast, really fast, as much as 3 feet per day for some varieties. This means it reaches maturity in between 1 and 5 years but this growth rate also effects the oxygen production. Bamboo produces around 30% more oxygen that various tree varieties with a similar effect on carbon dioxide absorption.

When bamboo is harvested it is cut at the base and it grows again without replanting. This form of harvesting is good for the soil because it does not involve disturbing roots and re-ploughing of land. Soil health being particularly important in areas of the world affected by monsoon rains and the danger of landslides.

The downsides, and there always downsides, are essentially twofold. Firstly, where bamboo is grown commercially it involves the clearing of all existing trees and the planting of a bamboo monoculture. Like all monocultures the biodiversity is adversely effected from insects to small animals as the ecosystem is disturbed. This situation applies to any monoculture, not just bamboo. Similar concerns are raised over fields of avocado trees in South America, forests of eucalyptus trees in Portugal and plains of corn and soya in North America.

The second issue is that commercial bamboo is really only fully developed in China, a country with few agricultural and environmental standards. And China means shipping large distances to arrive in Europe. Shipping which within the promotional merchandise world fortunately involves sea in the main rather than Chinese air miles.

When is Bamboo sustainable?

Like all questions of sustainability the issue is never clear cut and one has to compare use of bamboo to the alternatives depending on usage.

1. Alternative to wood.

Thinking of products like the blue tooth speak and the phone charger – to be found here:

https://www.pavilionearth.co.uk/seeds/bamboo-blue-tooth-speakers

https://www.pavilionearth.co.uk/seeds/bamboo-wireless-charger

The alternative to bamboo would be wood and very often hard woods. Bamboo scores highly here against woods and were strength is required and hard wood is the option then bamboo wins even if we are talking PEFC or FSC accredited woods.

2. Alternative to plastic

When we are looking at using as an alternative to plastic in such applications as:

https://www.pavilionearth.co.uk/seeds/bamboo-powerbank or

https://www.pavilionearth.co.uk/drinkware/glass-and-bamboo-diffuser

then since bamboo is a renewable resource which will naturally biodegrade and not pollute the oceans with micro plastics, it is clear bamboo is the sustainable alternative.

3. Bamboo fibre

On the surface, bamboo looks like a sustainable solution for the textile industry. But its use as a fabric is actually where this grass falls short.

There’s a good reason why Global Organic Textile Standards don’t give certification to bamboo textiles. Not even if they’ve been produced with organically grown bamboo.

Turning rough bamboo grass and shoots into a usable fabric is not an easy feat. It requires an intensive and chemical heavy process to produce the fabric. In industrial textile production, cellulose-heavy bamboo pulp is dissolved in a chemical solution. It’s then pushed through a spinneret to produce a yarn which is chemically solidified. Once the yarn has been produced, it’s often treated with dyes, bleaches or formaldehyde. The end product is a rayon fabric which is far from natural or organic.

The same argument can be applied to the production of cotton. Cotton is often treated using a chemical process. But unlike bamboo, it’s possible to buy Fairtrade certified and sustainable cotton.

For these reasons pavilion has steered clear of using Bamboo fabrics in our range certainly for the foreseeable future.

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Raster versus Vector - advice for the decoration of branded promotional merchandise

by David Platt • 5 February 2025

Understanding Vector Files vs Raster Files for Eco Promotional Products When it comes to branding on eco promotional products, understanding the different file types is crucial. Whether you’re creating logos for reusable water bottles or designing training manuals, the choice between vector and raster files significantly impacts the quality, scalability, and versatility of your designs. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of these two file types, their applications, and why choosing the right format matters for both print and digital media. --- What Are Vector Files? Vector files are a digital image format based on mathematical formulas that define shapes, lines, and colours. Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector files use points and paths, allowing them to remain resolution-independent and infinitely scalable. Common vector file formats include **.SVG** (Scalable Vector Graphics), **.AI** (Adobe Illustrator), and **.EPS** (Encapsulated PostScript). Advantages of Vector Files 1. Scalability: Vector files can be scaled up or down without any loss in quality. Whether you’re designing a logo for a promotional pen or a large conference banner, vector graphics remain crisp and clear. This scalability makes them ideal for **printing on eco promotional products**, signage, and manuals. 2. Editability: Vector files are highly editable. Designers can easily adjust individual elements like shapes, colours, and sizes without compromising image quality. This flexibility is particularly useful for **custom branding**, where logos or designs need modifications for various products. 3. Small File Sizes: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files because they store mathematical data rather than individual pixels. This makes them faster to load, ideal for web use, and easier to share across platforms. Applications of Vector Files Vector files are perfect for projects that require sharp, scalable designs. Their primary uses include: - **Eco promotional products**: Logos for reusable bottles, tote bags, and stationery. - **Print materials**: Brochures, business cards, and training manuals. - **Signage**: Pop-up banners and large-scale graphics. - **Web graphics**: Icons, infographics, and logos for websites. --- What Are Raster Files? Raster files, also called bitmap images, consist of individual pixels that make up the image. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is determined by the **pixels per inch (PPI)** or **dots per inch (DPI)**. Common raster file formats include **JPEG**, **PNG**, and **TIFF**. Advantages of Raster Files 1. Photorealistic Detail: Raster files excel at capturing detailed and complex images, such as photographs or digital paintings. This makes them ideal for **photographic designs** used in digital or print materials. 2. Image Effects: Raster files support various effects, such as shading, filters, and blurring. These capabilities allow designers to enhance photos or create artistic visuals for **social media posts, eBooks**, or website banners. Applications of Raster Files Raster files are better suited for detailed, photorealistic designs. Their primary uses include: - **eBooks and digital materials**: Low-resolution images for screens. - **Web graphics**: Social media posts and website banners. - **Photography**: Printing high-resolution photos for promotional use. - **Complex artwork**: Digital illustrations or detailed graphics. --- Vector vs Raster Files: Key Differences 1. Scalability - **Vector Files:** Infinitely scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and large-format printing. - **Raster Files:** Lose quality and become pixelated when enlarged. 2. Editability - **Vector Files:** Easy to edit individual elements (shapes, colours, etc.), making them versatile for product branding. - **Raster Files:** Difficult to edit without compromising quality. 3. Resolution Dependence - **Vector Files:** Resolution-independent; sharp at any size. - **Raster Files:** Resolution-dependent; quality depends on the original PPI or DPI. 4. File Size - **Vector Files:** Smaller file sizes, suitable for web use and quick loading. - **Raster Files:** Larger file sizes due to pixel data. --- Why File Choice Matters for Eco Promotional Products When creating branded materials for eco promotional products, the right file type ensures your designs are visually appealing and consistent across all platforms. Here’s why: - **For Print:** Vector files are essential. Logos and graphics need to be sharp and scalable for different product sizes, from mugs to banners. Vector files also work best for high-resolution branding on training manuals or reusable promotional items. - **For Digital:** Raster files are better suited for low-resolution displays, such as eBooks, social media posts, and websites. However, remember that even digital logos and icons can benefit from vector files for faster loading and a crisper appearance. --- Partnering with Pavilion Earth for Your Eco Promotional Needs At Pavilion Earth, we understand the importance of getting your branding right, whether it’s for a biodegradable tote bag, a stainless steel water bottle, or digital training materials. Choosing the right file format is just one step in ensuring your promotional products reflect your values and your brand’s quality. Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the correct file types for your eco promotional products. Need help deciding between vector and raster files? Let us assist you in optimising your designs for maximum impact. Contact Pavilion Earth today to discuss your promotional product needs and branding goals. Together, we’ll make sure your materials stand out while staying eco-conscious.