Bamboo

Bamboo - the green gold from the Far East

The misconception that bamboo is a type of wood is widespread. Instead of being a tree, it belongs to the sweet grass family. The over 1400 types of bamboo grow almost everywhere on earth, with the exception of Europe and Antarctica. The differences between the species range from genera with small tufts of grass to 40 meter high bamboo forests.

Although it is possible to grow individual bamboo bushes in European gardens, the plants grow best in tropical or subtropical conditions. This means that the raw material traditionally comes primarily from Asia. However, the plant is so frugal that it is now also cultivated in some African countries.

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on our planet and can grow up to 10 meters in just a month. Depending on the genus, it even grows up to a meter per day. Plants that will later serve as raw materials will therefore reach their full size after a few months. However, the stalk only lignifies over the years, so that it is completely hardened and usable after approx. 5-7 years.

Why is bamboo so sustainable?

Bamboo is a thoroughly sustainable natural product. With its rapid growth, the plant represents an infinite resource. Because of its durability and stability, the material also has a long lifespan. It is not for nothing that bamboo is considered a symbol of steadfastness and age in China.

Another argument represents the demand of the plant: it’s very low. Bamboo is so resistant that it requires little to no fertilizers and pesticides to grow. Unlike many other cultivated plants, bamboo does not depend on artificial irrigation methods. One of the reasons for this is the extensive root system. In addition to absorbing water, the root system also serves to constantly form new plant shoots. Harvesting a culm therefore does not cause the entire plant to die - as is the case with most tree species. Thus, large quantities of bamboo can be harvested without endangering the stand.

In addition to being processed as a pure natural fiber, bamboo is also used as a green alternative to crude oil-based plastic. Unlike crude oil, the bamboo plant is a renewable resource and is therefore much more environmentally friendly to extract.

As if that weren't enough, bamboo stores more carbon dioxide and produces more oxygen than trees. It is therefore a real climate superstar and a true all-rounder.