Zorb Fabric: Properties, Pricing & Sustainability (2023)

If you are searching for a high-quality fabric that can absorb moisture quickly, Zorb fabric is an excellent option. This fabric is a famous brand made by Wazoodle Fabrics and is known as a wonder fabric for its ability to absorb twenty times its weight in moisture, ten times faster than other fabrics. It has become a top choice for baby clothing, blankets, and cloth diapers due to its highly absorbent and quick-drying properties.

In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of Zorb fabric in more detail. Sometime around 2007, but since then, it has evolved, and several types of this fantastic fabric are now available. Zorb is a type of fabric that is made from synthetic cellulose fibre. This fabric is highly breathable and absorbent, making it a popular choice for those needing a material that can handle liquids. It is also lightweight and soft, making it comfortable to wear.

When washing Zorb fabric, avoiding using bleach or chlorine is essential. To prepare it, soak it in hot water before its first use; after that, it can be washed in hot or cold water.

Zorb fabric is well-suited for cloth diapers, diaper inserts, and baby blankets. These items require a material that can handle liquids effectively while remaining soft and comfortable against the skin.

If you need to iron Zorb fabric, it is best to do so warmly, as a high temperature could damage the material.

What is Zorb?
Types of Zorb Fabric
Zorb Fabric Characteristics
Downsides of Zorb Fabric
Common Uses of Zorb Fabric
Zorb Fabric Pricing
How is Zorb Made?
Where is Zorb Manufactured?
Zorb Fabric Environmental Impact
Zorb Fabric Certifications
History of Zorb Fabric
Zorb Fabric Alternatives

What is Zorb Fabric?

Zorb material is a highly absorbent fabric that Wazoodle Fabric Company produces. The fabric was initially created for use in cloth diapers, but over the years, it has been found to have a variety of other applications.

The unique composition of Zorb fabric sets it apart from other materials. It is made by combining two kinds of fibres: wicking and absorbent fibres. These fibres are made from bamboo, cotton, viscose, and poly-micro fibre cellulose. Combining these fibres gives Zorb its unique properties, which include high absorbency and durability, and is non-allergenic.

In addition to zorb absorbent fabric ,it has has a unique design makes it thinner than other diapering materials. This design also reduces the risk of compression leaks, making it an ideal choice for cloth diapers.

Zorb is exclusively manufactured in the United States and Canada. Wazoodle Fabrics, the company behind Zorb, guarantees that no toxic chemicals are used in its production.

Zorb has been in production since 2007, and although newer Zorb fabrics have been developed, many consumers still prefer the original materials because of their effectiveness and familiarity. Many cloth diapering parents love the material for its ability to keep their babies dry and comfortable.

In summary, Zorb is an innovative and highly effective fabric that has revolutionized the cloth diapering world. Its unique properties make it a popular choice for many parents who want to keep their babies dry and comfortable without sacrificing style or convenience.

Zorb vs. Bamboo vs. Fleece

If you are considering cloth diapering, it is essential to understand the different types of fabrics used to make cloth diapers and inserts and how they compare. One popular fabric is Zorb, often compared to bamboo and fleece due to their similar properties.

All three fabrics are highly absorbent and well-suited for use in cloth diapers. However, Zorb is the most absorbent of the three, making it an excellent choice for parents who want the most reliable protection against leaks. On the other hand, hemp tends to hold odour and stink and absorbs slowly, which can make it prone to compression leaks. Bamboo, however, is incredibly soft and gentle on a baby’s delicate skin, making it a favourite among parents.

If you are looking for an all-natural option, consider avoiding Zorb, as it contains synthetic materials. Instead, a hemp/cotton blend is an excellent choice, as it is more absorbent and softer than 100% hemp.

One of the critical advantages of Zorb is that it dries quickly, which is essential for cloth diapers that need to be washed frequently. Since air drying is the best option for cloth diapers, having a quick-drying fabric like Zorb is a significant benefit. Some parents choose to use a combination of Zorb, bamboo, or hemp to take advantage of the unique properties of each fabric and achieve the perfect balance of absorbency, softness, and quick-drying performance.

Types of Zorb Fabric

Zorb fabrics have undergone several improvements since their creation in 2007, and Wazoodle now manufactures several types of Zorb. we will discuss each type of Zorb in detail, their advantages and disadvantages, and their typical applications.

Zorb Original was initially created as an inner layer for cloth diapers and inserts. It is made from Bamboo, Cotton, Tencel, and polyester nylon cellulose fibres. Zorb Original fabric is a white colour fabric used as an inner layer, which can absorb ten times its weight in just half a second. The material is thin, lightweight, and breathable, making it comfortable for babies. It is also easy to clean, quick-drying, and durable, making it ideal for diaper use.

Zorb 3D Dimples come in four types – 3D Bamboo Dimples, zorb3D Organic Cotton Dimples fabric , zorb3D Stay Dry Dimples fabric and 3D Diamonds. These fabrics come in different colours and patterns. The 3D Bamboo is the softest, while the 3D Cotton is the most absorbent. The 3D Stay Dry has the most minor shrinkage; all four types are antimicrobial. Bamboo and Cotton are organic materials.

The 3D Diamonds is a third-generation Zorb fabric with larger 3D diamonds. It is a super-absorbent fabric that can absorb ten times its weight in under ten seconds and is twenty times more absorbent than Cotton, Bamboo, or hemp.

Zorb 3D Diamonds is made from a bamboo-cotton blend on one side and polyester on the other. It is ideal for use without additional layers. This fabric is perfect for making heavy-duty diapers, soaker pads, and mattress protectors. It is also suitable for pet bedding and cleaning up spills.

Zorb 4D CORE PUL is the latest addition to the Zorb fabric line. It is a highly absorbent fabric with four layers of absorbent Zorb, a polyurethane waterproof layer, and an anti-skid surface. This fabric eliminates one step of the sewing process since the waterproof layer is already attached. It is available in various colours and can be used to make cloth diapers, wet bags, sanitary pads, and diaper pad changing covers. It is also ideal for outdoor gear, such as raincoats, backpacks, and tents.

Zorb Microfiber Terry is the least absorbent of all Zorb fabrics, but it can still absorb eight times its weight in under two seconds. This style of Zorb is commonly used to make towels, soaker pads, doublers, diaper inserts, and the inner layer of cloth diapers. However, this fabric is prone to fraying when cut, so it is recommended that you prewash all sides before sewing. It is also important to note that this fabric is unsuitable for heavy-duty applications.

Zorb Fabric Characteristics

Due to its unique characteristics, Zorb fabric is a popular choice among cloth diapering parents and manufacturers. Firstly, Zorb is an incredibly absorbent fabric. The absorbent rate of Zorb fabric may vary slightly depending on the type of Zorb, but it can hold anywhere between eight to twenty times its weight.

The texture of Zorb fabric is soft and smooth, although it may vary slightly depending on the type of Zorb. Unlike microfiber, another highly absorbent diaper material, Zorb can be placed directly next to your baby’s bottom. Additionally, Zorb is antimicrobial, hypo-allergenic, breathable, and eco-friendly. All Zorb fabrics are BPA, lead, heavy toxin, and phthalate-free.

Although Zorb is made using natural components like bamboo, cotton, and Tencel, it also has synthetic fibres, which means it is not 100% biodegradable. However, it is more eco-friendly than 100% synthetic fibres.

Furthermore, consumers can trust the quality of Zorb fabric as it is CPSIA compliant, which means that it is approved for use in children’s products.

Downsides of Zorb Fabric

Zorb fabric has many favourable properties, but before deciding if it is suitable, consumers should be aware of a few possible negative characteristics. In this section, we will discuss some of the downsides of Zorb fabric.

One of the negative qualities of Zorb fabric is that it tends to shrink when first washed. It is recommended to clean your Zorb fabric in hot water before sewing it to prevent further shrinking. Once it has shrunk, you can wash it in cold or warm water, but it may continue to shrink.

Another downside of Zorb fabric is that Zorb Terry tends to fray when first cut. However, washing it in hot water after cutting and before sewing can help remedy this issue.

Additionally, Zorb fabric has some synthetic components, so parents looking for all-natural products must consider other options. Moreover, the plastic or polyester component makes Zorb fabric only partially biodegradable.

Common Uses of Zorb Fabric

Zorb is a highly versatile fabric commonly used to make cloth diapers and inserts. However, it is also used to create other products, such as wet bags, changing pad covers, and mattress pads. Some people even use it to make washable sanitary pads.

Additionally, Zorb Microfiber Terry is frequently used for making towels, bath mats, bathrobes, and washcloths due to its high absorbency and traditional towel feel.

Although not its primary use, Zorb fabric can also be used to make pants or bottoms for babies and pajamas. This can help prevent leaks and messes for heavy wetters or those who deal with frequent diaper leaks.

Moreover, parents often use 100% Zorb fabric to make soft, breathable baby blankets for car rides and playtime.

Zorb Fabric in Cloth Diapers

Zorb was initially developed for making cloth diapers but has become a versatile fabric due to its highly absorbent nature. Unlike microfiber, Zorb can be placed directly next to a baby’s skin, making it a popular choice among parents for diaper linings and inserts with waterproof covers. Zorb 4D CORE PUL is an all-in-one cloth diapering fabric with a built-in waterproof layer.

However, some parents are deterred by the cost of Zorb, as microfiber is cheaper and provides similar results. Another issue is that no significant cloth diaper manufacturers currently use Zorb in their diapers, meaning those wishing to use Zorb in their babies’ diapers must either make them themselves or buy them from retailers such as Etsy.

Wazoodle, the company that manufactures Zorb, sells all of its styles directly from its website, but they do not offer ready-made diapers or inserts.

Zorb Fabric Price

Zorb fabric prices vary greatly, but on the Wazoodle website, you can find Zorb fabric by the yard at an average price of $7 to $14 for older generations and wholesale prices of $4.5 to $9. The newer and higher-quality Zorb fabrics, such as those with dimples, diamonds, or terry, can cost up to $50 per yard and $35 wholesale.

If you are still determining which type of Zorb fabric to use or want to compare the weight and quality, you can order swatch kits for around $15, which come in a set of three.

If you want to buy pre-made cloth diapers or inserts, a set of six Zorb diapers from retailers like Etsy or Amazon costs about $110 to $135. Meanwhile, a set of a dozen Zorb inserts costs around $85. When it comes to cloth diapering, you will need a minimum of 12 to 15 diapers if you wash them daily and more if you wash them every other day. If you use Zorb diapers or inserts, you must also purchase waterproof diaper covers.

How is Zorb Fabric Made?

There is limited information available on the manufacturing process of Zorb, but it is known that Zorb is a combination of cellulose fibers derived from bamboo, cotton, Tencel, and polyester. According to the Wazoodle website, they spent eight months developing a proprietary deep-extraction process that eliminates all absorbency-inhibiting agents from their ProEco Bamboo Fleece fabric.

Wazoodle claims that Zorb is a chemical-free, non-woven, eco-friendly fabric certified as BPA-free, PFSA-free, and PFOA-free. Their blog also reveals that the company invested two years in researching and developing Zorb 3D and six months in market trials to make product tweaks. Their 3D Zorb boasts a unique three-dimensional engineered pattern, while their products are infused with SILVADUR, an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of fungi, bacteria, and algae.

Where is Zorb Fabric Manufactured?

Wazoodle is an exclusive manufacturer of Zorb fabric in the United States and Canada. The company provides detailed information about the origin of each material on its website, including the composition, weight, and other relevant specifications. This information can help customers choose the suitable fabric for their specific needs.

One of the notable advantages of buying Zorb fabric from Wazoodle is the company’s strict adherence to environmental and ethical standards. By manufacturing the fabric in the United States and Canada, Wazoodle can ensure its production processes meet these standards. This is only sometimes the case with overseas factories that may not be subject to the same regulations. As a result, Zorb fabric prices tend to be higher than other synthetic fabrics, but the investment is worth it for those who prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.

Wazoodle’s U.S. base is in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, while its Canadian branch is in Scarborough, Ontario. This means customers in both countries can expect prompt delivery and reliable customer service from a local team. The company ships fabrics to every country except China, and shipping rates vary depending on the carrier and destination.

For customers who prefer to shop locally, Wazoodle offers curbside pickups. This is a convenient option for those who live near the company’s U.S. or Canadian locations and want to save on shipping costs. Additionally, Wazoodle sells zorb fabrics by the yard and at wholesale prices, making it accessible to businesses and hobbyists. There is no need for a business license to purchase wholesale lots, which is an excellent incentive for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Zorb Fabric Environmental Impact

As we have limited information about Zorb’s manufacturing process, it’s difficult to determine the complete impact it has on the environment. However, we can make some assumptions based on the facts we know.

Zorb is listed as eco-friendly on its website and comprises certified organic bamboo and cotton products. It’s CPSIA-compliant and free from harsh chemicals, lead, BPAs, and phthalates. Organic cotton, used in Zorb, has fewer negative impacts on the environment than traditionally grown cotton as it uses much less water, no pesticides, and doesn’t contribute to soil erosion. Bamboo, another eco-friendly plant source, regenerates much faster than cotton and requires less water.

Since most of the components of Zorb are natural fibers, we can assume that they are primarily biodegradable. However, the polyester and microfiber components would not be biodegradable.

Zorb Fabric Certifications

Wazoodle, a company that prides itself on its commitment to quality and safety in the fabric industry, has an entire page dedicated to showcasing its certifications and qualifications. This page addresses the topic of OEKO-TEX certification and why they, as an American company, have chosen not to pursue it.

OEKO-TEX is an independent European association that certifies that fabrics meet consumer safety standards. While this certification is widely respected and recognized in Europe, Wazoodle explains that it is irrelevant outside their business operations as an American company. They claim that because they comply with the rigorous regulations set forth by U.S. agencies, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they do not see the need to seek an OEKO-TEX certification.

According to Wazoodle, their Zorb fabric quality is assured because they follow all health and safety regulations set forth by CPSC, OSHA, and EPA during their manufacturing process. They state that these U.S. guidelines are more stringent than the OEKO-TEX regulations. As a responsible manufacturer, they promise not to use toxic additives or fire retardants on their fabrics.

Moreover, the company emphasizes using organic cotton and bamboo to produce their Zorb fabric. However, despite using organic materials, Zorb is not eligible for organic certification as it contains synthetic components.

Overall, Wazoodle’s commitment to quality and safety is evident through its adherence to U.S. health and safety regulations and its transparency in explaining its decision not to pursue OEKO-TEX certification.

History of Zorb Fabric

Zorb fabric is a super absorbent fabric invented by the Wazoodle fabric company in 2007. According to Archana Sharma, the CEO of Wazoodle, Zorb is more porous than disposable diapers, making it a better choice for various applications. Since its launch, this fabric has become increasingly popular due to its unique properties.

The original Zorb fabric is still available and is the most affordable type of Zorb fabric, costing around $7 per yard. However, it only comes in white and is intended to be sandwiched between two other layers of fabric. This makes it an ideal choice for various applications, such as cloth diapers, period pads, nursing pads, and other similar products.

As the popularity of Zorb fabric grew, the company continued improving it. The second generation of Zorb fabric is available in Dimples and Diamonds and is already pre-sandwiched. However, this type of fabric is prone to shrinkage, which led the company to create the third generation of materials with less shrinkage and more significant absorption.

The latest additions to the Zorb family are 4D Zorb and Zorb Microterry. 4D Zorb is an ultra-absorbent and waterproof fabric perfect for heavy-duty applications, such as incontinence products, bed pads, pet pads, etc. Zorb Microterry, on the other hand, is a 100% microfiber terry cloth that is incredibly soft and absorbent. It is ideal for baby products, cleaning materials, and other applications.

In summary, Zorb fabric is a unique fabric with a wide range of applications due to its superior absorbent properties. Users can choose the perfect fabric for their specific needs with different kinds of Zorb fabrics.

Zorb Fabric Alternatives

Zorb faces stiff competition from microfiber, especially in synthetic fabrics. Microfiber is an excellent alternative to Zorb as it dries quickly and is highly absorbent. It is also cheaper than Zorb and can be rapidly dried in a dryer or clothesline. However, microfiber cannot be used directly against a baby’s skin and needs to be paired with another insert or used in a pocket diaper.

Hemp and bamboo are other options similar to Zorb regarding absorbency and softness. These materials suit parents who prefer natural materials in their baby’s diapers. They are also priced similarly to Zorb.

For bath towels, bathrobes, and kitchen towels, Zorb Microfiber Terry can be replaced with terry cloth, another alternative to Zorb.

FAQ

Q-1 What is the most absorbent fabric?

V2 Zorb 4D Organic Cotton Dimple Waterproof CORE PUL Fabric is the most absorbent style of Zorb fabric.

Q-2 What is Zorb fabric?

Zorb is highly absorbent. V2 Zorb 4D Organic Cotton Dimple Waterproof CORE PUL Fabric is the most absorbent style according to the manufacturer.

Q-3 How to use Zorb?

Because of its absorbent properties, Zorb can be used to make items such as cloth diapers, towels, wet bags, sanitary napkins, and baby blankets.

Q-4 Is Zorb fabric breathable?

All types of Zorb are highly breathable and lightweight.

Q-5 How do you wash zorb fabric?

Zorb should be pre-washed in hot water to prevent shrinking, then washed in warm or cold water.

Q-6 Where to buy zorb fabric?

You can purchase Zorb fabrics directly through their official website, wazoodle.com. Additionally, you may find Zorb fabrics available for purchase on Amazon. Both platforms offer a range of Zorb fabric options for customers to explore and purchase according to their preferences and needs.

Q-7 Is zorb fabric safe

Zorb fabric is entirely safe for various uses, including with babies. It is hypoallergenic and designed to be baby-friendly. The material is engineered to be thin yet highly absorbent, which makes it effective at trapping and holding large amounts of liquid. Moreover, it is designed to dispense fluid to minimize compression leaks quickly. However, it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and care instructions for any fabric, especially when using it for sensitive purposes, such as with babies or in direct contact with the skin.

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