Bamboo has been used by humans since the earliest times in many different ways. In China it is a fundamental part of its culture. Whether as a motif in paintings, as an ingredient for cooking, as pipes for the sewer system or simply as chopsticks. Today, the plant is going through a renaissance and is becoming one of the countries largest exports.
There are several reasons for this: On the one hand, targeted support through the government's national bamboo plan. Because one-fifth of the world's bamboo production is growing in China - and the country does not want to let this resource go unused. On the other hand, new processing techniques have broadened the range of applications. They make the plant attractive for pipeline construction calling it “the foundation of global environmental protection.
The International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) in Beijing even see bamboo as the "foundation for China's leadership in global environmental protection". According to the organisation, bamboo is the best and most sustainable alternative to wood, plastic or metal.
Jennifer Sibley, Environment Strategy manager at Borough of Sutton says, “Bamboo actually has a good chance of becoming a bio-raw material of the future. It grows about a meter every day, making it one of the fastest growing plants in the world. And on top of that, it is surprisingly robust, requires little water, no fertilizer and no pesticide.”
Bamboo is climate-friendly
Bamboo absorbs up to four times more carbon when growing than other tree species. Since 2012, Chinese companies have been able to improve their carbon footprint by investing in the cultivation of bamboo. "Even after deforestation, processing and transportation, the energy balance of bamboo is lower than most others," says Sibley.
The application possibilities are countless. In China, thanks to the combination of its stability and elasticity, it is used as scaffolding on the countries many construction sides. In the food production it is among meals turned into beverages. More and more often it is also used for bathrooms and for flooring. Paper, cosmetics, furniture or a magazine, bamboo’s versatility is incredible.
Billions are growing rapidly
In full-on capitalist style of course, the bamboo market is growing rapid. Between 2011 and 2016, the national bamboo production has more than doubled: in 2011, a turnover of estimated $ 15.4 billion, was already more than doubled in 2016 with $ 32.5 billion. China is leading the $ 60 billion dollar market.
f Associate at London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) says, the plant is a good means of combating poverty. “Bamboo grows mainly in the poor regions of southern China, like the Guizhou Province, where farmers receive free seed and other subsidies for cultivation. In the city of Chishui alone, more than 30,000 farmers are now cultivating bamboo.” Hundreds of companies have been set up for further processing, so that in recent years around 10,000 new jobs have been created in the bamboo sector.
