As the specialist in the Bamboo Charcoal industry, we received and answered many queries from customers on certain important questions and topics. We intend to share the important facts and resolve the similar questions that other customers had faced here under interesting facts.

What are Charcoal Deodourisers contained in a box and looks like a gel/jelly?

They are usually added with nice fragrances and also labelled as "Charcoal". These products are found to be made of chemical gel/jelly dyed with black charcoal powder. The method used in this product is by means of chemical reaction. The Bamboo Charcoal are all filled with the gel which makes the charcoal powder inside ineffective in its absorption capabilities.

These deodorizers have deodorant actives. It is believed that deodorant actives veil malodor molecules and as a result, malodors are removed. Another type of deodorant actives is a chemical compound which reacts with malodor molecules, such as chlorine dioxide, hypo chloride or ozone. These chemical compounds decompose malodor molecules by oxidization or reduction and thus, malodors are removed. In addition, some deodorant actives use a neutralizing reaction with malodors and as a result, malodors are removed.

What are the difference between Bamboo Charcoal and BBQ Charcoal? Can I use BBQ Charcoal to combat odour and moisture instead?

BBQ charcoal is always what we have been used to since young. When some people start talking about Bamboo Charcoal, there will be some form of reaction "Can't We Go Get it From the BBQ Pit?" Well, in fact BBQ charcoal is a type of charcoal made specially for burning by supplying high energy levels based on its high calorific value. They can also be used to combat odour and moisture too!

Charcoal has many uses and it is dependent on its processing method, temperature and raw material. Any wood or plant material can be carbonised and become charcoal. Charcoal uses ranges from agriculture, industrial, medical to home and personal use. The wood or plant material determines the nature of the pores/storage structure and spaces of the charcoal. For example, Bamboo Charcoal is renowned for its great porous structure compared to wood charcoal including Binchotan!

In general, charcoal classification:

- Black (400-700 °C ). Low temperature processing. Low electrical conductivity or does not conduct at all. Mainly for agriculture, fuel and BBQ. Also for odour and moisture removal.

Bamboo Charcoal (Black)

- White (800~1000 °C)*. High temperature processing. High electrical conductivity. Absorption of electromagnetic waves, toxic gases, odour and moisture. Water purification, rice cooking and facial/bath applications.

Bamboo Charcoal (White)

* Charcoal is not white in colour but rather it is burnt at high temperatures. Appearance is smooth silvery surface. The final process is not using ash like Binchotan. In Japan, high quality Bamboo Charcoal is commonly referred as White Charcoal to indictate characteristics of high temperature charcoal.

- Special (800~1000 °C). Absorption of toxic gases/liquids and chemicals such as activated carbon in medical/industrial use.

Activated Charcoal/Carbon

Bamboo Charcoal Quality Testing

Good quality bamboo charcoal can be tested using simple test techniques with simple instruments and physical observations.

Japanese Bamboo Charcoal (Left) Has Flater Cross Section

Japanese Bamboo Charcoal (Left) Has A Shiny Surface

We receive a number of queries on how to identify authentic Japanese Bamboo Charcoal Slices. The answer is the Japanese Bamboo Charcoal is quite flat on its cross section. In addtion, its surface gives a very good shine like a silvery surface. Although, each pieces varies in shine as this is a natural product. While those non-Japanese made Bamboo Charcoal Slices looks more round and has a dull and rough surface.

Can any charcoal be made into high quality charcoal?

The nature of the raw material and final processing method determines greatly the 'future' or usage of the carbonised material or charcoal. For example, BBQ charcoal is not processed to have large storage spaces and to conduct away Electromagnetic (EM) waves, thus it is low or non electrical conductive. In addtion, its small pore size and low pores distribution makes it a less candidate against odour, moisture and EM Wave reduction.

Bamboo has very porous structure in itself. Though the fibres may not be that strong or 'closely knitted' compared to wood. But Bamboo Charcoal can be processed to having more absorptive power than it normally can by controlling the pores amount, size and distribution.

See Granulated Bamboo Charcoal Test.

Is there a difference that I buy any charcoal? So how about the bamboo charcoal we talked about here?

If a customer decides to buy charcoal, we advised for demonstration request at point of puchases or testing using personal test kit like light bulb circuit, multimeter, chemical dye etc.

For instance, customer pays for high quality charcoal products price but gets low quality charcoal, similar to BBQ charcoal. We advise customer to head straight for BBQ charcoal instead. You will get more BBQ charcoal for what you pay with more effects!

What is Binchotan? It has been acclaimed by some as the Best among the charcoal family. Is it really true?

Binchotan originates from Wakayama, Kyushu Prefecture, Japan. Traditionally, Binchotan is made from Oak wood. It takes about 10 - 40 years for the suitable grown branches to be selected for making Binchotan. Due to the hardness of the wood, the charcoal made from such wood produces a high pitch 'tingling' sound. Binchotan is also called White Charcoal because it is covered with ash during the final processing, leaving whitish ash powder on its surface.

It has been so famous in Japan until recent times when Bamboo Charcoal has taken it place after research has proven that it has less absorptive power than Bamboo Charcoal. The key advantage of Binchotan is that its electrical conductivity is excellent and often better than Bamboo Charcoal. Making it very suitable for Electromagnetic (EM) Wave reduction. But with research and technological advancements, Bamboo Charcoal has reached the point where it is very close to Binchotan in electrical conductivity.

As the famous Binchotan gained popularity in the world. Imitated Binchotans start to flood the market. Wood charcoal are labelled as 'Binchotan' by commercial companies but the materials used is Redwood etc. In Japan, only the wood charcoal made from specific Oak wood is officially recognised as Binchotan. One of the key physical appearance is the crystal like shiny cross sectional area.

How does Bamboo Charcoal help promote blood circulation? What is Far Infrared Rays emission and how does it works?

It has been a mystery how bamboo charcoal can help promote blood circulation. Research shows that there are Far Infrared Rays emitted from the Bamboo Charcoal under the Thermal Monitor. These rays blends in with the temperature of the human body and becomes absorb by the body as a form of heat that simulates blood circulation.

But the fact is that Far Infrared Rays ONLY work in a 1-5 mm millimetres (mm) range above its surface. This means that the Bamboo Charcoal ONLY work when in close contact with the human body! This theory is similar to the Electromagnetic (EM) wave reduction.

Effectivenes decreases with distance. For some products, the Bamboo Charcoal is buried between thick materials like cotton etc, this makes the Bamboo Charcoal only good for odour and moisture control. While EM Wave reduction and Far Infrared Emission is not in effect.

There is a new product called Bamboo Charcoal Earthenware in the market. What is that and how it works?

This bamboo charcoal earthenware is actually not more than using bamboo charcoal powder and binders, compressing at high pressure and heat. Bamboo charcoal works by its pores to detoxify and absorb impurities. During this process, the bamboo charcoal is filled with binders/glue, all pores has been filled, destroying the effects of charcoal completely. This bamboo charcoal earthenware is nothing more than a piece of black object for decoration and selling concept of bamboo charcoal. To test, simply smash the earthenware and see the cracked surface. Does it look like a charcoal slice when broken, porous and brittle, or is it like hard cement instead?

We recommend buying Japanese ceramic or traditional earthenware instead.