Why Bamboo Paper Is Eco-Friendlier and Safer Than Wood Paper
Bamboo has plenty of benefits, as discussed in this article in detail. The eco-friendly and sustainable features of bamboo make it a better alternative than plastic on any given day.
But what if you compare it to food packaging made from wood paper? Is bamboo food packaging still the better and more eco-friendly choice? Yes! Why? Let’s look at the reasons.
Bamboo Pulp Paper Does Not Use Any Chemicals or Bleaching
Bamboo pulp paper used to manufacture disposable bamboo paper bowls or cups is a very eco-friendly product. Creating bamboo pulp paper is quite similar to that of cardboard and wood paper.
However, there is a major differentiating factor that bamboo does not use any chemical processing or bleaching during bamboo pulp paper manufacturing.
The lack of chemical processes and bleaching allows bamboo pulp paper to be more eco-friendly and for bamboo to retain all its sustainable benefits
Bamboo Pulp Paper Has Greater Tensile Strength
Bamboo Pulp Paper Is Stiffer Than Wood Paper
Data shows that papers made from longer fibers are generally ones that have the most tensile strength in comparison to papers that are made from shorter fibers.
Bamboo has medium to long fibers that provide greater tensile strength to bamboo pulp paper.
In food packaging and containers, bamboo pulp paper is less porous and won’t let water and other liquids pass through quickly. It will make bamboo retain its strength and shape for a long time without any problems.
The main reason is that the cellular structure of bamboo itself has thicker cell walls and smaller cell lumens. These structural factors make bamboo less flexible and help bamboo paper retain its tensile strength when used for food packaging. (paper bowl; paper cup; paper box)
Bamboo Paper Is More Sustainable
Wood paper made from soft and hardwoods takes around 100 years to grow back after they are cut. For bamboo, the growth period is merely 3-5 years at most. Bamboo also does not require to be planted for a second time.
After you cut bamboo, the roots remain in the ground and continue to grow from the point where you missed them.
The basis allows the roots to hold on to the soil and stop soil erosion while keeping the soil health great. These features make bamboo more sustainable for disposable or one-time-use food packaging.
In addition, bamboo is a more sustainable and eco-friendlier choice than hardwood or softwood paper products that are harder to regrow.