European Bamboo Expo 2025

Expo theme:
Bamboo Goes Timber:
The Next Step in Construction
European Plantations:
Bamboo’s Untapped Potential
May 22 - 24, 2025 Dortmund
This magazine pays tribute to the European Bamboo Expo 2025
sponsors, exhibitors and supporters
Complete event schedule included
Produced by
www.europeanbambooexpo.eu
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magazine online

2026
May 28-30, 2026
Dietrich-Keuning-Haus, Dortmund
European Bamboo Expo 2026 – Be Part of the 4th Edition of Europe’s Leading Bamboo Event!
The European Bamboo Expo returns on May 28–30, 2026, at the Dietrich-Keuning-Haus
in Dortmund. With the City of Dortmund as our presenting sponsor and strong support from
Bamboologic, this fourth edition promises to be truly inspiring—bringing together global bamboo
experts to showcase innovations, share developments, and spark new ideas.
Are you working with bamboo? Whether you want to exhibit, speak, or lead a workshop,
submissions are now open—over 50% of speaker slots are already filled!
To apply, email us at info@europeanbambooexpo.eu
Submission deadline: November 20, 2025.
Join the bamboo revolution in Europe!
www.europeanbambooexpo.eu

Instead of Foreword
2025 marks the third official European Bamboo Expo in Dortmund,
Germany. Including the digital events organized by the same team in
2021 and 2022, this will be the fifth occasion we reflect on bamboo
development at the European level. We made progress during the past
3 years, and there is a growing interest in the use of bamboo at national
level. The 2025 EXPO will highlight some of the new bamboo initiatives
that are taking place in different locations in Europe, and beyond.
The important role of bamboo in climate change mitigation and
adaptation is also being recognised and the 2025 EXPO will debate
issues related to the sequestration of CO 2
, carbon removal and related
credits. We will also talk about the role of land restoration and other
environmental aspects of bamboo cultivation in Europe.
European Bamboo Expo Magazine
May 2025
This magazine is produced by
Weproductions
https://weproductions.net/
Art direction and design by
Vicky Xinou / purple
www.purpledesign.gr
Cover image: Spiraled bamboo
Tower, 15 meter high, designed and
built by Jorg Stamm in 2019, at his
home in Popayan, Colombia.
Cover Photo by:
Munir Vahanvati / giant grass
Printed by: www.diedruckerei.de
Copyrights:
All images provided by all Sponsors,
Supporters, Partners, and Educational
institutions are protected of copyright.
Any further publication of content,
photos, or texts requires the written
approval of the publisher.
Imprint:
Weproductions / Iraklis Kalamenios
Neuer Weg 10, Kürten 51515
Email: iraklis@weproductions.net
Mobile phone: 016099066675
There is a growing call for more involvement from the private sector,
possible through a new European bamboo business platform, and
the 2025 EXPO will provide an opportunity to reflect on this. The
market is increasingly calling for bamboo grown in Europe, and
geo‐political developments in relation to export of bamboo from China
may accelerate development in this respect. There is a growing body
of knowledge and experience in growing bamboo under European
conditions, but there are also challenges, and the 2025 EXPO will
address some of these.
We hope for another productive set of debates and exchanges during
the 2025 EXPO, and look forward to further expansion of bamboo
development in Europe.
Dr Hans Friederich,
Bamboo Ambassador / former Director General of INBAR
The 2025 European Bamboo Expo places a strong focus on growth and
transformation with two key panel discussions: “Bamboo Goes Timber:
Next Steps – The Role of Bamboo in Construction” and “European
Bamboo Plantations: Unlocking Potential, Addressing Challenges.”
These sessions highlight how bamboo is advancing both as a building
material and a cultivated crop — uniting architecture, agriculture, and
sustainability.
“Since the first expo in 2023, we’ve already seen remarkable progress,”
says Iraklis Kalamenios, founder of Weproductions and organizer of
the event. “I’m proud to be part of this journey — turning a dream into
reality and helping shape a greener and more sustainable future.”
3

Programme / Schedule
Friday, May 23, 2025
9.00 – 9.45 Open Doors / Jingle & Mingle
9.45 – 10.00 Opening by Weproductions and the City of Dortmund
Iraklis Kalamenios announces the ‘’German Bamboo Initiative’’ & updates on
‘’Bamboo Greece’’
10.00 – 10.30 Dr. Johan Gielis, Mathematician, Scientist and Entrepreneur
The Future of WBO: Overcoming Challenges in Organizing, Summarizing, and
Interpreting Bamboo Information
10.30 – 11.00 Musse Tesfaye Gebre, Value Chain Development Officer
The Value of FSC Certification: Building Ethical Bamboo Supply Chains &
Empowering Smallholders
11.00 – 11.30 Roman Kreuzer, Lecturer, University of Applied Sciences Konstanz
Co-presenting: João Heep, CEO Changelis NGO
11.30 – 12.00 Break
Design-Build-Redesign: The Chance for Bamboo Architecture in Europe
12.00 – 12.15 Dr. Bernhard Hauke, Structural Engineer and Journalist
Bamboo & the Future of Construction in Europe
12.15 – 13.15 Panel discussion led by Dr. Bernhard Hauke
13.15 – 14.30 Break
Bamboo Goes Timber: Next Steps – The Role of Bamboo in Construction
Featuring:
Orin Hardy, Co-founder Bamboo U & The Kul Kul Farm
Dipl.-Ing. Christian Engel, Architect and DGNB-Auditor
Hendrik Alsmann, Carpenter & M.Sc. Civil Engineering
Roman Kreuzer, Lecturer, University of Applied Sciences Konstanz
14.30 – 15.00 Yannic Windeln, PhD Student, University of Applied Sciences Aachen
Co-presenting: David Bunse
Enabling the Industrial Application of Full Culm Bamboo
15.00 – 15.30 M.Sc. Pascal Franck, Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Comparison of Bamboo and Wood, and Teaching Approaches to
Enhance Understanding of Bamboo Construction
15.30 – 16.00 Orin Hardy, Co-founder Bamboo U & The Kul Kul Farm
Lessons from Bamboo Paradise
16.00 – 16.30 Jan Detavernier, Artist & Industrial Design Engineer
Connect. The Nature of Bamboo
16.30 – 19.30 Break - Tickets for Networking Event Available at https://europeanbambooexpo.eu/
tickets/
19.30 – 22.30 Special Networking Event
4

Programme / Schedule
Saturday, May 24, 2025
9.30 – 10.00 Open Doors / Jingle & Mingle
10.00 – 10.30 Carlos Ruiz-Garvia, UN Climate Change – Adaptation Division
Unlocking Opportunities for Bamboo-Based Solutions in National Climate Policy
10.30 – 11.00 Sundar Bharadwaj, CEO TERRAGRN
Can Bamboo Be a Game-Changer to Decarbonise Mature Industries?
11.00 – 11.30 Harriet Rudd, VP of Finance and Project Manager at EcoPlanet Bamboo
Ecoplanet Bamboo: Disrupting Global Supply Chains Through Bamboo Bioeconomies
11.30 – 12.00 Break
12.00 – 12.15 Hans Friederich, World Bamboo Ambassador
Building the Future: Addressing the Need for a Unified European Bamboo
Organization
12.15 – 13.15 Panel discussion led by Hans Friederich
13.15 – 15.15 Break
European Bamboo Plantations: Unlocking Potential, Addressing Challenges
Featuring:
Carlos Ruiz-Garvia, UN Climate Change
Harriet Rudd, VP of Finance and Project Manager at EcoPlanet Bamboo
Kjell Tahon, Co-owner at Bamboologic
15:15 – 15:30 Navya Singh, Climate Action Journalist (Recorded Message)
Global Bamboo Growth: India’s Role & the European Bamboo Expo 2025
15:30 – 16:00 Kien Khuc, Business Development Director, Greener Future
Towards a Greener Future Through the Bamboo Value Chain
16:00 – 16:20 Juan Pablo M. / Juan Bambu, CEO Wububamboo
Unveiling the World’s Most Efficient & Cost-Effective Bamboo Curing System
16:20 – 16:40 Hendrik Alsmann, Carpenter & M.Sc. Civil Engineering
Developing a Socioeconomic Bamboo Project in the Philippines
16:40 – 17:00 Jonathan Cilimba, Chairman OYAK
Co-presenting: Elisabeth Evers, Civil Engineer
Socioeconomic Impact of Bamboo Projects in Guatemala
17:00 – 17:15 Iraklis Kalamenios, CEO Weproductions
Closing words, announcing the European Bamboo Expo 2026
5

Exhibitors list
A big thank you to the exhibitors:
BambooLogic LONG TERM SPONSORING PARTNER
https://bamboologic.eu/
BambusBASIS PLATINUM SPONSOR
https://bambusbasis.de/
Bamboo In Europe GOLD SPONSOR
http://www.bambooineurope.com/
EcoPlanet Bamboo SILVER SPONSOR
https://www.ecoplanetbamboo.com/
FH Aachen - University of Applied
Sciences BRONZE SPONSOR
https://www.fh-aachen.de/
Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC) BRONZE SPONSOR
https://fsc.org/en
TERRAGRN BRONZE SPONSOR
https://www.terragrn.com/
Bio Bambù Italia https://www.biobambuitalia.it/
Bamboo Market City https://www.bamboomarketcity.com/
Garnet India https://www.garnetindia.com/
OYAK https://oyak.de/
Esperanza https://www.esperanza.de/
Advocates for Biodiversity Conservation (ABC)
https://www.biodiversityadvocates.org/
Zimmerei und Ingenieurbüro Luca Fürmann
https://ziing.de/
Colourful Ghana e.V. https://www.growcolourfulghana.de/
Byanyas https://en.byanyas.ch/
Forest Products Research and Development Institute
(FPRDI) https://www.facebook.com/dostfprdi
OFF GRID CON https://www.instagram.com/offgridcon/
Bamboobelt https://www.bamboobelt.com/
Greener Future BRONZE SPONSOR
https://greenerfuture.com.vn/en
Bamboo U BRONZE SPONSOR
https://bamboou.com/
Vista Verde BRONZE SPONSOR
https://vista-verde.eu/
6
“Bar at Hacienda Diamante” (designed by Jörg Stamm)

PRESENTING
SPONSOR
© Stadt Dortmund / Roland Gorecki
Dortmund 2030: circular economy for the global common good
Dortmund 2030: circular economy for the global common
good (DoCircular2030) is a project initiated by the Economic
Development Agency Dortmund. The project aims to create
new partnerships and structures to transform the local
economy in Dortmund from a linear into a circular economy
in three value chains: construction, food and electronics. In
addition to these three chains, education and qualification
play a decisive role in the project.
In cooperation with partners from science, industry, civil
society and politics DoCircular2030 created a vision
for this transformation. Each value chain is viewed from
various R-perspectives: rethink, reduce, reuse and recycle.
The project adresses a wide target audience: from private
and public businesses, consumers and academia to public
services.
DoCircular2030 promotes sustainable nutrition, regional
value chains and the reduction and reuse of food and
packaging waste. In the electronic sector, the project focuses
on increasing collection quantities and recycling rates,
fostering a repair infrastructure and extending the lifespan of
electronic devices.
Associated partners of DoCircular2030 are the registered
association Bewusst wie e.V., the Chamber of Commerce
and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Dortmund,
the UNESCO chair of the TU Dortmund, the Nutrition Council
Dortmund and Region e.V., the Efficiency Agency North
Rhine-Westphalia, the International Garden Exhibition 2027
gGmbH, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and the
registered association “Gemeinwohl-Ökonomie Ennepe, Ruhr
& Wupper e.V. (Regionalgruppe Dortmund)”.
During the two-year development phase, a total of 19
ideas for the construction sector, the food industry and the
electronic sector were submitted with regard to a circular
economy in Dortmund. The implementation phase started in
February 2025 and will last for three years. For example, in
the building sector preservation instead of new construction
as well as sustainable and resource-saving construction
are important. To advance the circular food transition,
DoCircular2030 was started at the behest of the
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate
Action of Germany as part of the funding programme
“Zukunft Region”.
For more information:
DoZirkulär2030 | Wirtschaftsförderung Dortmund
https://wirtschaftsfoerderung-dortmund.de/
7

Long term
SPONSORING PARTNER
Cultivating a greener tomorrow, today
Bamboologic’s mission
is to meet the fast growing
European demand
for locally grown bamboo.
Out of offices in The Netherlands and
Portugal, Bamboologic runs its own farms
on 2 sites in Portugal and establishes
bamboo farms throughout Europe with a
growing network of farmers. The nursery in
Galicia, Spain in cooperation with the Belgian
nursery foresee the volume plant production,
needed for large scale planting.
With our European bamboo value chain we are contributing
to climate goals and the transition towards a green economy;
unlocking a rewarding green business opportunity for farmers,
industry and trade.
The next coming years tens of thousands metric tonnes of this
fast-renewable material will be available each year for decades
to come. By that we are “cultivating a greener tomorrow,
today. From plant to customer.”
8

Long term
SPONSORING PARTNER
Vidigueira bamboo farm Portugal
Experienced team
We can lean on a diversified team based throughout
Europe. Bamboo, carbon removal, project and sustainability
experts such as Dr. Hans Friederich, Jan Oprins and João
Ludovico guarantee knowledge and experience.
The team was involved in more than 25.000 hectares of
bamboo plantations worldwide since the 1980s.
9

Long term
SPONSORING PARTNER
Bamboologic joins forces with European growers
By establishing European bamboo farms we reduce transport
costs and footprint, guard production quality and assure supply
security for the EU industry.
Thanks to our unique bamboo replication and cultivation
experience since the 1980s we are able to deliver large
amounts of plants needed for industrial scale bamboo farming.
Bamboo farming is an alternative earning model for European
farmers with stable long-term revenues. Thanks to the large
carbon sink potential of bamboo, this nature inclusive farming
model, fits within the EU CRCF Directive motivating green
farming models and carbon farming initiatives. Bamboologic
runs a unique CO2-certificates program, valorising the carbon
farming efforts of our bamboo farmers.
Bamboo CO2-certificates; empowering bamboo
farmers
The E.U. carbon removal and carbon farming (CRCF) Directive,
breaks a lance for certification of carbon removals through
nature-based removal projects as for example bamboo farms.
Together with the Dutch government supported standard
ONCRA, Bamboologic has developed a unique methodology for
land stored carbon of bamboo groves in Europe.
A clear methodology, measurements and guidelines are
ensuring quality, transparency and trust.
Bamboo CO2-certificates enable Bamboologic partner growers
to capitalise their carbon removal activities and generate
revenues. Sales of the certificates on the Voluntary Carbon
Markets is gaining traction. Discover participating bamboo
farmers at www.bamboocarbonremoval.eu
A share of the sales revenues of the carbon removal
certificates is allocated towards verification, promoting carbon
farming through European bamboo forests, green value chain
R&D and management of the certificates.
10

Long term
SPONSORING PARTNER
Access to the market
B-to-B Bamboologic collects, processes and sells the
produce from the bamboo farm network to the industry.
Through this cooperative way of working, a farm is
not on its own, but can rely on support and advice,
R&D, harvesting techniques and the sales power of
Bamboologic. The demand out of the industry is exceeding
the supply many times.
B-to-C We are selling bamboo products daily, through
www.bambooineurope.eu and other sales channels.
The successful online sales and network of sales points
in several European countries offers a solid foundation for
the distribution of European bamboo products.
Research & development and so much more…
Together with leading market players we are putting much
effort in R&D in order to optimize cultivation, harvesting
and processing towards European market standards.
A recent example is our first European Product Declaration
of a European bamboo pole, also highlighted by the INBAR
magazine in March 2025.
These cooperations led to first test productions of
bamboo insulation, beams and pulp (for textile) based on
bamboo from our European fields.
More information or questions?
www.bamboologic.eu
www.bamboocarbonremoval.eu
11

Platinum
SPONSOR
Business Not as Usual
We are delighted to support the European Bamboo
Expo 2025 as a platinum sponsor.
A project that focuses equally on international
cooperation and sustainable environmental
responsibility deserves commitment and success —
especially in today’s world.
Sustainable responsibility, both local and global, is
also the philosophy that defines us at Bambusbasis
and forms the foundation of our business model:
A manufacturer where individual, human-centered
production is the focus at every level of the process.
Our company’s roots lie in the production of bamboo
fences for outdoor use. We combine various types
of stainless steel with bamboo, most of which grows
on the Indonesian island of Java. There, bamboo is
harvested by farmers following ancient traditions and
dried at the edges of rice fields. It is then processed
by Javanese artisans using traditional methods
within village communities (Kampong).
Through these collaborations, we take on social
responsibility and help strengthen local economic
cycles.
In Germany, we also work closely with local
craft businesses. One of our valued partners is a
manufacturing workshop for people with disabilities.
We believe that cooperation should be rewarding
for everyone involved. This belief has helped our
business grow far beyond the fencing sector.
Today, we produce a wide range of products for
gardens and balconies, including raised beds,
garbage can enclosures, and custom-made bicycle
garages. These items are both functional and
aesthetically pleasing.
Since 2024, we have also been the exclusive
partner and importer for bamboo furniture from
the Indonesian company PRING. This company
specializes in high-quality bamboo furniture designed
for environmentally conscious and design-focused
customers. Like us, they follow social standards and
embrace innovation — including the development of a
unique manufacturing process.
12

Platinum
SPONSOR
This approach aligns with our product values: a focus on
design and sustainability, a willingness to explore, and
the courage to try new things.
We enjoy experimenting with bamboo ourselves and
discovering what’s possible. We also support others who
want to innovate with bamboo and contribute to a better
world.
For example, we work with students from the
Technische Hochschule Köln (Cologne University of
Applied Sciences) at the International School of Design,
who explore sustainable building materials. We also
collaborate with the “Furniture and Design” department
at Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe (OWL).
Internationally, we are always looking for people with
new ideas in bamboo who might want to work with us to
bring them to life in Germany or Europe.
At the moment, we are in conversation with producers in
Africa and are excited to see what may develop.
If you have interesting bamboo products or projects,
think sustainably and responsibly, and are looking for a
fair partner in Germany, we would be happy to hear from
you — either at the European Bamboo Expo 2025 or
later via our website.
We look forward to meeting you.
Your team from Bambusbasis
https://bambusbasis.de/
www.bamboona.de
13

Gold
SPONSOR
‘Bamboo Import Europe’ is changing in ‘Bamboo In Europe’
Emphasizing a shift towards Europe as a true bamboo continent.
Bamboo In Europe is Europe’s leading trading hub for bamboo raw
materials & products, connecting global supply chains with Europe and
promoting European grown bamboo.
Bamboo In Europe, born out of Bamboo Import Europe, originally founded
in 2010 and emerged as the largest importer of bamboo products in
Europe with distribution points in more than 10 countries.
Bringing together bamboo from all continents with a special focus on
Europe.
Explore their vision and full range at www.bambooineurope.com
Connecting the World through Bamboo
At the gateway between Asia, Latin America, and Africa, Bamboo In
Europe plays a vital role in one of the most exciting material revolutions of
our time.
The company offers a wide range of bamboo products: from construction
materials to gardening products, interior design pieces, raw bamboo and
innovative new bamboo applications.
14

Gold
SPONSOR
A full range of bamboo solutions
With the Bamboo Construct line of products, Bamboo In Europe makes
bamboo as a construction material more accessible for European
developers, constructors, manufacturers and designers. Meeting
sustainability, quality and innovation. www.bambooconstruct.com
A Hub of Expertise, Innovation, and Inspiration
In cooperation with Bamboologic, Bamboo In Europe is
fostering industries in adopting bamboo on a larger scale.
Their 15 year long expertise in bamboo markets and large
producer network makes the newest bamboo innovations
available in Europe.
Whether you are an architect looking for sustainable
materials, a product developer seeking new opportunities,
a manufacturer aiming to replace fossil materials or a
retailer aiming to expand your eco-friendly offering —
Bamboo In Europe is your gateway into the exciting world
of bamboo solutions.
Bamboo In Europe is proud to be present at the
European Bamboo Expo.
Meet the team; they will be delighted to share ideas
with you.
Bamboo In Europe’s head office in Beverwijk,
The Netherlands
15

Silver
SPONSOR
Towards a Net Zero Economy
The avoidance of hitting a 1.5°C increase in global temperatures requires a dramatic reduction in
greenhouse gases. On the current trajectory this requires not only a reduction in such emissions,
but the active removal and long term storage.
At the same time, the transition to a low carbon economy requires financially attractive and time
tangible solutions for industries and products that still carry a heavy greenhouse gas footprint.
Bamboo has the potential to be part of the solution to both global challenges.
Developing a Carbon Positive Resource Base
EcoPlanet Bamboo has spent the past decade undertaking the restoration of extremely degraded
lands, that do not compete with food security nor access to water, into healthy, biodiverse and
fully functioning ecosystems, in which bamboo is the economic driver for long term protection.
These farms span three continents and five countries. They are registered on the Verified Carbon
Standard, for the removal of >14M tons of CO 2
e over the next 10 years. These carbon removals
and the associated carbon financing in turn trigger a suite of environmental, social and sustainable
development impact within each target location.
Examples of EcoPlanet’s landscape restoration framework, with a 5 year “before” and “after” timeframe
Science Based, Technology Driven Forestry
Bamboo is no different to any other plant being grown for commercial purposes in that it requires
active management. EcoPlanet has invested a decade into scientifically rigorous research to
operate its bamboo farms driven by science, technology, data, and adaptive management. This
proprietary framework is based on five key pillars.
16

Silver
SPONSOR
A Sustainable Source of Woody Biomass
EcoPlanet’s farms, which are strategically located across the tropical belt where productivity and
impact can be maximized but with easy access routes to western markets, have the potential
to supply significant volumes of sustainable woody biomass on an annual basis while restoring
ecosystem services. An additional pipeline including expansion into new geographies for 2025-
2026 is underway.
EcoPlanet’s bamboo
farms have the potential
to produce >650,000 tons
of biomass/year by 2030
and 1.35 million tons/year
by 2034.
Transitioning Global Supply Chains
As a woody biomass, bamboo has the potential to be a feedstock for the four
main industries that aborb the majority of the world’s wood and fiber. Today,
these industries still utilize feedstock that contributes to deforestation, either
directly or indirectly. EcoPlanet works primarily within the first two market
categories.
Over the past decade, hand in hand with a key technology partner, EcoPlanet
has worked to ensure that its bamboo biomass can be manufactured
in facilities that are innovative and sustainable as the bamboo farms,
transitioning not only global supply chains but the rural regions within
which the feedstock is being developed. With that technology now at TRL9,
EcoPlanet and its strategic technology partner are ready to develop the
world’s first bamboo biorefineries for a two phased production:
Phase I: Production of a Net Zero Pulp Toilet & Tissue Sanitary Papers
However, only by the transition to renewable energy, across all sectors,
will the world achieve carbon neutrality. EcoPlanet’s long term goal is the
production of a low carbon, regenerative supply chain for the production of
liquid fuel from bamboo.
Phase II: Next Generation Liquid Fuels Sustainable Aviation Fuel,
Renewable Diesel & Petroleum, and Cellulosic Ethanol
Through such bamboo biorefineries and their greater impact, EcoPlanet is
working towards transitioning target supply chains and countries towards a
net zero economy, addressing the key global challenges listed above.
www.ecoplanetbamboo.com
17

Bronze
SPONSOR
Enabling the industrial application of full culm bamboo
Thanks to its hollow shape and fibrematrix material structure bamboo is an excellent light weight engineering
material. Combined with the high availability and carbon sequestration potential, it represents a sustainable
alternative for nonrenewable resources like metals and plastics.
© FH Aachen | Yannic Windeln
© FH Aachen | Sascha Halabut
The Research Team Bamboo at the Faculty
of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics,
University of Applied Sciences Aachen, investigates
how full culm bamboo may be used in industrial
applications.
The goal of our research team is to make bamboo
culms a viable production material for companies
in many industries. Possible applications include
bicycles, strollers, larger support structures such as
exhibition stands and more. At the same time, we
are working on making bamboo culms an attractive
and sustainable base material for DIY projects. The
goal is to create a framework that enables anyone to
build strong, durable and sustainable structures like
basic frames, furniture or raised beds quickly and
easily on their own, without technical knowledge or
refined skills. To achieve these goals, we are researching
the best ways to connect bamboo culms as well as suitable
measures to increase the quality of the culms during their
lifetime.
The fastgrowing plant produces mechanically strong culms
with a flexural modulustodensity ratio similar to steel or
aluminium alloys. The high fibre content at the outside
diameter of the culms lead to high bending strengths,
which are essential for the use as rods or beams in
loadbearing structures. The advantages of high bending
© FH Aachen | Sascha Halabut
© FH Aachen | Sascha Halabut
strengths and light weight are best used when bamboo is used
as full culm bamboo (in contrast to engineered bamboo).
The capabilities of full culm bamboo in construction
applications and consumer goods such as bicycles have been
proven for decades. The vast majority of those applications
have one thing in common: they are handmade. Therefore, we
asked ourselves the question:
How can we use the great advantages of full culm bamboo in
industrial production?
18

Bronze
SPONSOR
How can we scale up the use of bamboo as a lightweight
engineering material and multiply its environmentalfriendly
impact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate
climate change?
By now, hardly any industrialized applications of full bamboo
culms can be found, especially in Europe. The ongoing
development of design standards and the cultivation of
bamboo in Europe will likely help increase the use of bamboo
as an engineering material. Regardless, there is a particular
lack of scalable processing methods for bamboo culms. We
have identified 3 key issues:
© FH Aachen | Jonas Zauels
1. Every bamboo culm is unique. We need to determine the
geometric and mechanical properties of each bamboo culm
to assure its quality for safe products.
2. No commonly used connection is as strong as the bamboo
culm itself. We need a new loadbearing joining method for
bamboo culms to fully utilize their great mechanical potential.
3. Bamboo culms cannot yet be processed fully
automatically. We need to develop processing methods that
are easy, fast and reliable to enable a costeffective production
of highquality bamboo culm products and semifinished
products.
In our Research Team Bamboo we are developing solutions
for these key needs and integrate them into a scalable
production concept. In three main steps, individual bamboo
culms are processed and joined to various structures or
products.
Firstly, the unknown geometric properties (outer contour)
of the bamboo culm are determined by noncontact
measuring methods. Additionally, the mechanical properties
(flexural stiffness) of the bamboo culm are measured in a
nondestructive 4point bending test, based on ISO 22157.
In the second step, the measured data of each bamboo culm
is summarised in a digital twin. An algorithm assigns pieces
of the bamboo culms to their most useful position in given
products, evaluating factors such as geometry, mechanical
requirements and minimum offcuts. Sawing, surface
treatment and joining of the bamboo culms is then carried
out with cutting edge automation technology, for example
flexible robot handling methods.
Finally, the bamboo pieces are connected to sleeves using
a novel “plug in and adhesive joining” method. For the first
time, this method enables the transfer of short-time static
loads in the range of the high tension capacity of bamboo
culms. The sleeves can be connected to, or be part of,
various structures such as furniture, bicycle frames and
exhibition stands.
We are always looking for interested partners for
cooperations and new research projects. Are you an expert
in automation, measurement technology, material drying,
material testing, surface treatment or surface coating? Are
you a manufacturer and would like to use bamboo culms
for your products? Do you have any other ideas, or are you
interest in collaborating with us? We look forward to hearing
from you.
© FH Aachen | Jonas Zauels
© FH Aachen | Jonas Zauels
© FH Aachen | Jonas Zauels
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Schleser
Yannic Windeln, M.Eng.
David Bunse, M.Eng.
https://www.fh-aachen.de/
https://www.iaam.fh-aachen.de/innovative-fuegetechnologien/ftbambus/
19

Bronze
SPONSOR
How FSC empowers bamboo smallholders:
The Industree Foundation example
For years, Industree Foundation has been creating sustainable livelihoods for producers and
small-scale farmers in India with a strong focus on empowering women. By building womenowned
traceable supply chains, Industree’s ecosystem-building work ensures that communities
become part of mainstream value chains that caters to national and global demand. Industree’s
climate action and social empowerment theory of change acts at the intersectionality of Equity,
Climate, and Gender (ECG) using the economic resilience lever.
Industree focuses on natural fibers such as bamboo, aiming at creating sustainable livelihoods
while reinforcing the importance of responsible sourcing. Despite bamboo’s reputation as an
eco-friendly material, small-scale producers often struggle to access premium markets without
proof of responsible management. Determined to bridge this gap, Industree turned to FSC
certification.
A Pathway to Sustainability and Market Access
Beyond its reputation as a sustainable material, bamboo’s actual impact depends on how
it is grown and harvested. Without FSC certification, aspects like land management, labour
conditions, and supply chain transparency can vary, making it difficult for producers to gain
buyer trust. To address this, Industree worked to secure FSC certification for 539 farmers
across five Mutually Beneficial Trusts in the state of Karnataka, marking India’s first FSC
certification for privately owned bamboo forest.
This process was more than just achieving compliance—it was about equipping small scale
producers, especially women with the knowledge and tools to integrate sustainable practices
into their operations. FSC certification helped introduce a structured approach to responsible
sourcing, ensuring that bamboo was harvested in alignment with strong environmental and
social standards. By reinforcing transparency and accountability, FSC certification provided a
foundation for better market engagement and long-term sustainability.
© Industree
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SPONSOR
How FSC Certification Strengthens Market Access for Smallholders
For smallholder farmers, achieving certification independently can be costly and complex.
FSC Group Certification allows producers to meet certification standards collectively at lower
costs, making certification more accessible and increasing their competitiveness in high-value
markets.
Certification Benefits for Smallholders and Buyers
• Market Access & Recognition – Certification connects smallholders with buyers looking for
responsibly sourced materials, improving their ability to compete with larger suppliers.
• Stronger Supply Chains – Certified producers benefit from structured, transparent supply
chains, making them more reliable partners for businesses committed to sustainable sourcing.
• Economic Potential – By formalizing sourcing practices and providing greater negotiating
power, certification can create long-term financial benefits for smallholders.
Scaling Bamboo Certification to Transform Rural Livelihoods
Industree is leading the effort of achieving global standards and revolutionizing sustainable
bamboo cultivation in India, empowering women farmers -belonging to indigenous
communities and other socially and economically disadvantaged groups -to earn improved
incomes in the coming years. With certification in place, smallholder women farmers are better
positioned to meet the increasing demand for responsibly sourced bamboo, reinforcing both
environmental responsibility and economic opportunity.
In partnership with Industree, the Ministry of Rural Development in India is scaling up a
transformative FSC-certified seed-to-market bamboo model to empower one million women
farmers over the next four years. This year, 30,000 women are expected to join, followed by
320,000 annually for the next three years.
FSC certification is continuously used as a tool to promote the sustainable management of
bamboo plantations among smallholders and to establish traceable, responsible supply chains
that connect them to the market.
Contact Us: m.gebre@fsc.org
© Industree
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TERRAGRN: pioneering
community-based bamboo agroforestry
to decarbonise mature industries
TERRAGRN, a forward-thinking nature-based solutions venture headquartered in the
UK, is creating environmentally friendly bio-based products and food solutions, by
regenerating degrading, unutilised lands, and planting biodiverse agroforests, with bamboo,
and other plants, and creating thousands of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities
within local communities. TERRAGRN established a subsidiary in South Africa in 2021
and initiated its first project in Mpumalanga, South Africa’s coal mining and electricity
generation hub, where TERRAGRN is creating a vertically integrated business with a
focus on sustainability, community support, and cutting-edge bio-based products and food
solutions.
The company has created an innovative model that encompasses three main verticals
in the upstream value chain: bamboo agroforestry, organic food farming, and climatesmart,
sustainable woodlands management. These verticals not only aim to contribute to
carbon sequestration, climate resilience, biodiversity, food security, and socio-economic
development in South Africa but also create the platform for sustainably harvesting and
producing bamboo-based products in the downstream value chain for several industries to
support their decarbonisation and nature-positive agenda.
Bamboo as sustainable material for Construction and Water sectors
TERRAGRN is growing bamboo in a scientifically designed multi-crop agroforestry grid
model. Bamboo offers immense potential as a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to steel,
brick, and concrete in construction, and to coal- and charcoal-based activated carbons in
water purification.
Through an exciting collaboration with Coventry University, TERRAGRN is rigorously
testing our South African bamboo to confirm its adherence to building material standards.
Bamboo is already proving to be a strong and viable construction material globally,
and we have every confidence that our bamboo will meet the required standards. The
demand for engineered bamboo boards is growing rapidly worldwide, and the company is
actively engaging partners and off-takers to bring these eco-friendly products to market.
TERRAGRN plans to secure the FSC Chain of Custody certification for bio-based products
sold by the company.
TERRAGRN is also conducting product trials with bamboo-based activated carbons for
water purification, and results confirm their effectiveness.
Organic Farming for Food Security
Also, as part of the company’s mission is the production of organic fruits and vegetables,
using regenerative agricultural practices blending ancient wisdom and modern science,
where the company is committed to improving food security. Through commercial offtake
agreements with food retailers and philanthropic projects within local communities,
TERRAGRN ensures that its produce supports not just local markets but also the broader
goal of providing healthy, nutritious food to vulnerable populations in South Africa.
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Climate-Smart woodlands
As part of the landscape restoration approach, TERRAGRN is working with local
communities to replace alien invasive plant species with indigenous vegetation to protect
and enhance local biodiversity. The company plans to secure Forestry Stewardship
Council (FSC) certification for sustainable forest management.
Empowering Communities and Accelerating Economic Growth
TERRAGRN is not just about innovative products but also about creating a sustainable
local economy. The company is actively upskilling young women and men from the rural
communities, many of whom were previously unemployed, by offering training and job
opportunities. With a deliberate focus on empowering youth and women—two groups that
face significant barriers in the workforce—TERRAGRN is helping to foster a more inclusive
and prosperous future for South Africa’s rural heartland.
Carbon Credit Generation for a Greener Future
TERRAGRN is making a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change
through its sustainable agroforestry practices. By restoring ecosystems, enhancing soil
health, and sequestering carbon dioxide, our farming methods actively regenerate the
environment. The carbon credits generated from these initiatives, independently verified
by the Gold Standard, serve as a financial mechanism that supports and validates our
impact, helping to fund ongoing community projects, as well as expanding the commercial
business.
Impact in action
With a 50-hectare bamboo agroforestry site already in operation in Mpumalanga,
TERRAGRN is monitoring and measuring ecological improvements using smart naturetech
solution powered by AI. The company is executing plans to expand to 500 hectares
by end of 2026 and to 2000 hectares in the next three years. By 2030, TERRAGRN
expects to be a significant supplier of bamboo-based products, food solutions, carbon
credits, and to make a substantial impact on the regional economy in Southern Africa.
TERRAGRN is not just a business—it is a movement that is regenerating communities,
promoting sustainability, and building a brighter, greener future for all.
To partner with us or to learn more, please get in touch via:
TERRAGRN.com
linkedin.com/company/terragrn/
info@terragrn.com
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Vietnam’s Bamboo Revolution:
Greener Future Brings
Eco Innovation to Europe.
DORTMUND, Germany – From the heart of Vietnam’s
countryside to the spotlight of the European Bamboo Expo
2025, four young Vietnamese founders are reshaping the
conversation on sustainability with a simple yet powerful
symbol: bamboo. Their startup, Greener Future (GF), is
proving that eco-friendly innovation can start small – even
with a humble straw – and grow into a global movement.
Reimagining Bamboo for the 21st Century
As the world grapples with plastic pollution and the urgent
need for renewable alternatives, Greener Future has stepped
up with a clear mission: to make bamboo the defining
material of this century. Not just as a product, but as a
symbol of regeneration, simplicity, and resilience.
“In Vietnam, bamboo is a cultural icon,” says Minh Nguyen,
Chairman of GF. “But to us, it’s also a solution. If we don’t
bring Vietnamese bamboo to the world, who will?”
Vietnamese Roots, Global Standards
GF’s product lineup – from biodegradable bamboo straws
to kitchenware and activated charcoal – offers sleek,
sustainable replacements for single-use plastics. But what
sets the brand apart in competitive markets like Germany
and France is its meticulous attention to user-centric design,
European-standard quality, and aesthetics inspired by nature.
A Mission Beyond the Product
Greener Future goes further than selling bamboo goods. The
team works directly with Vietnamese farmers to cultivate
sustainable bamboo, revive degraded land, and generate local
livelihoods. Every link in the supply chain – from planting to
packaging – is crafted to protect both people and planet.
traditional trees. Meanwhile, a study by Kyoto University
confirms that bamboo straws break down within 4–6 months,
a stark contrast to the 200 years it takes for plastic ones.
A Vietnamese Presence at the European
Bamboo Expo 2025
At this year’s expo in Dortmund, GF isn’t just introducing
eco products – they’re telling a national story of innovation,
culture, and sustainability. For a country with deep bamboo
roots, this is more than business. It’s identity, mission, and
global impact wrapped in one.
• Event Location: Dietrich-Keuning-Haus,
Leopoldstraße 50-58, 44147 Dortmund, Germany
• Official Website: europeanbambooexpo.eu
Be Bamboo. Be You.
With its tagline “Be Bamboo. Be You.”, GF is championing
more than just green goods – it’s advocating for a lifestyle
that fuses tradition, nature, and technology into a hopeful,
sustainable future.
Science-Backed Sustainability
Data from the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization
(INBAR) reveals that a single hectare of bamboo can capture
up to 400 tons of CO2 per year – nearly 30 times more than
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Live Simply, Live Sustainably with Greener Future
In today’s world of abundant choices, living simply is not
about giving up, but about making conscious decisions—
choosing what truly matters and brings lasting value.
This is the essence that Greener Future infuses into
each of its Vietnamese bamboo products.
From reusable bamboo straws, cutlery sets, storage
boxes, trays, to bamboo activated charcoal used for air
and water purification—each product embodies nature’s
breath and a commitment to sustainable development.
Bamboo is not only a rapidly renewable biological
material but also represents a lifestyle that is close to
nature, simple, and environmentally friendly.
According to the International Network for Bamboo and
Rattan (INBAR), bamboo can sequester up to 400 tons
of CO₂ per hectare over five years, helping to reduce
greenhouse gases and combat climate change.
Bamboo straws can decompose in just 4–6 months and
can be reused over 100 times, making them an ideal
replacement for single-use plastic straws.
Bamboo activated charcoal, with a surface area of up
to 1,500 m² per gram, is an excellent choice for air
purification, odor removal, food preservation, and natural
cosmetic applications.
In the context of global plastic waste issues, each
bamboo product you choose is not just an essential item
but a statement of a responsible lifestyle towards the
planet.
Begin your green journey with the smallest things—a
straw, a bamboo cutlery set, or a charcoal air purifier.
Greener Future is ready to accompany you on the path
towards a simple, elegant, and sustainable life.
Choose bamboo products—and become part of the green
solution for the future.
Be bamboo, be you.
Live like bamboo—resilient, simple, and never harming
the planet.
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Vista Verde:
Eye on a Green Future
Mark Oprins is a second-generation bamboo grower
who inherited his love for bamboo from his father,
Jan Oprins. While the Oprins family originally focused
on cultivating bamboo as an ornamental plant, the focus is
now increasingly shifting towards the use of bamboo for industrial purposes. For this,
different bamboo species are used, with thicker and stronger stems that are better
suited for building materials and other applications. The Oprins family already has
extensive experience in this field, having planted more than 30,000 hectares worldwide.
The current geopolitical tensions and the rising demand for bamboo products make this
the perfect moment for bamboo to emerge as an agricultural crop within Europe. For
this, we use different bamboo species than in tropical areas.
This new focus brings new questions and challenges for our generation. Which species
thrive in which country? On which soil do they grow optimally? At what time of year
and in what way can they best be propagated on a large scale?
This is where our 45 years of experience in bamboo cultivation come into play. With
many years of selecting the right types and clones, we produce plantlets of superior
quality. Together with BambooLogic, we connect farmers with the industry and the
endless applications where bamboo can be used.
By growing bamboo locally, we can ensure the sustainability and availability of this
widely used raw material while simultaneously contributing to a more stable and
resilient agricultural sector.
We are currently planting multiple hectares of our own bamboo fields. These fields will
be used to harvest wood, fibers, and shoots for the local industry. We have different
showcase fields to demonstrate the potential of bamboo in Europe, within our climate.
This not only highlights the versatility of bamboo but also serves
as a practical example of how bamboo can be integrated into
European agriculture.
Vista Verde cultivates bamboo for the ornamental plant
market and as an agricultural crop. This includes
the production of raw materials, as well as the
cultivation of plant material used for bamboo
plantations as an agricultural crop.
Together, we are working towards a green
future full of possibilities. By harnessing the
versatility and sustainability of bamboo, we
hope to make a positive impact on both the
environment and the economy. The future of
bamboo is promising, and we are determined to
explore and realize these possibilities. Together
with you, we are choosing a green future.
https://www.vista-verde.eu/
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SPONSOR
Bamboo U:
Building Sustainable Futures
at the Kul Kul Farm
The Kul Kul Farm was established in the village of Sibang,
Bali in 2015 by Orin and Maria Hardy. The space was
established with the purpose fostering connections
between individuals and the natural world. This began
with permaculture design workshops, to boost sustainable
agriculture practices without sacrificing biodiversity. Around
the same time, the bamboo construction movement in Bali
had started to gain speed, with Orin’s family – particularly his
father, John, and his sister, Elora, at the forefront.
Bamboo is a grass that grows naturally across the
tropical and sub-tropical regions. Its innate physiological
characteristics make it an excellent material for construction.
Through the rise of the Bamboo Movement, Maria and Orin
realized that there was a growing interest in learning about
bamboo design and construction, with individuals wanting to
take this knowledge back to their contexts across the globe.
And with this, Bamboo U was founded.
Bamboo U is an educational enterprise with the mission to
empower people to build a better world with bamboo. This is
achieved through online and in-person workshops that dive
into bamboo right from its growth and harvest, to treating it
for longevity, right up to designing and building with it.
The 11-Day Build and Design Course
The Bamboo U 11-Day course at the Kul Kul Farm is an
immersion into a world of bamboo and sustainable living.
Participants are enveloped in a world of bamboo by sleeping,
eating, and learning within spaces made from this beautiful
material. These range from yurts where participants sleep, to
various learning spaces, all of which are built from locallyharvested
bamboo. Additionally, much of the produce for meals
is grown on the farm, as part of its permaculture system.
As part of the course, participants learn closely from skilled
Balinese carpenters, specifically from the Bamboo Village
of Belega. Learning from these craftspeople is engrained
into the course experience, and Bali’s culture of helping and
sharing is deeply felt.
Overall, the Bamboo U course at the Kul Kul Farm offers a
deeply immersive experience that connects participants with
bamboo in a holistic way. Participants not only learn about
bamboo, but also partake in a sustainable lifestyle, while
sharing knowledge and deepening bonds with fellow learners
from across the world. From bamboo structures to organic
food, every aspect of Bamboo U reflects a deep commitment
to sustainability and community.
Join Bamboo U in-person or online here:
www.bamboou.com/courses
For more information, contact: info@bamboou.com
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The Future of WBO: A Unique System
for Managing Global Bamboo Research
Bamboo’s diverse applications in construction, food
production, bioenergy, and textiles are supported by
extensive scientific research, with thousands of studies
published yearly. A Google Scholar search for terms like
“bamboo and housing” or “bamboo and food” returns
tens of thousands of articles, reflecting the breadth of
investigation. However, the volume and variability of
this research can hinder researchers, policymakers, and
industry professionals from accessing reliable data.
The World Bamboo Organization (WBO) addresses
this by implementing a structured strategy to collect,
organize, and retrieve bamboo research, a function
it uniquely performs among global organizations.
This distinctive role enables the WBO to enhance the
accessibility and utility of bamboo-related knowledge.
The WBO’s approach focuses on systematically managing
research to support knowledge sharing, innovation,
and evidence-based decision-making in fields such as
construction, biochar, and nutraceuticals. The research
collection is organized into key domains: Bamboo
Cultivation (e.g., agroforestry, soil health), Construction
(e.g., structural analysis, sustainability), Biochar & Wood
Vinegar (e.g., soil applications), Fibers and Composites
(e.g., material development), Bio-Energy (e.g., energy
production), Nutraceuticals (e.g., nutritional analysis),
Handicrafts and Furniture (e.g., artisanal techniques),
Taxonomy and Genetics (e.g., species classification), and
Biotechnology and Physiology (e.g., growth mechanisms).
This categorization aligns with the primary areas
of bamboo research, ensuring relevance across
applications.
To manage this collection, the WBO is developing
a database where each publication is tagged with
metadata, including research domain, author, publication
year, and keywords. Search functionality allows filtering
by category, region, or research objective, improving
retrieval efficiency. An open-access repository hosts
publications and summaries where feasible, while
regular updates and validation maintain data quality.
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are integrated to analyze
studies, extract key findings, and generate tailored
summaries, streamlining access to pertinent information.
No other organization provides this level of systematic
curation for bamboo research, making the WBO’s
database a critical resource.
The WBO also promotes standardized data practices
and collaboration among global researchers to
improve research consistency and comparability. By
addressing the challenges of information overload and
fragmentation, the WBO’s unique system supports
practical applications of bamboo in addressing issues
like sustainable development and resource management.
This technical infrastructure ensures that bamboo
research is organized, accessible, and actionable for
stakeholders worldwide, reinforcing the WBO’s singular
role in this domain.
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Lecture series at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences to promote
the understanding for climate-friendly building among
tomorrow’s architects and civil engineers
P. Franck, O. Bletz-Mühldorfer and S. Luippold on behalf of the HSRM “Climate-friendly building” teaching team*
(Corresponding author: M.Sc. Pascal Franck, pascal.franck@hs-rm.de)
The global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in technical
fields has grown steadily in recent years. A shifting focus on wooden
buildings as an alternative to common buildings made of energy-intensive
materials, e.g., concrete, can already be observed to some extent in
the European building industry. Because of climate change and more
frequent pest infestations, domestic forests are facing major challenges,
and in some cases, they have already been drastically reduced. Newly
planted trees have long growing times of 60-80 years, and thus, the
sustainable and fast-growing material bamboo, can be a promising
alternative with approx. 10 times faster growing time. Beyond that,
the material has a significantly higher potential for sequestering CO 2
than wood. The material’s mechanical properties are always further
researched, often showing characteristic values superior to common
wood species.
Figure 1: Bamboo truss girder built during a recent
RESEARCH seminar.
In recent years, the interdisciplinary series of lectures “Climate-friendly
building” has taken place at the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences
(HSRM) in Wiesbaden, Germany, to raise awareness for sustainable
alternatives among tomorrow’s architects and civil engineers. The
students should learn the handling of the material bamboo, which is
relatively unknown in Germany. The lecture series is divided into four
parts that accompany the entire construction process of climate-friendly
buildings, and a teaching team consisting of experts in various fields
contributes their knowledge to national and international students.
First, during the RESEARCH seminars, the students learn about the
mechanical testing of the bamboo culms and the determination of the
characteristic values, which are crucial to the design and dimensioning of
the bamboo buildings. As a result of a seminar in the past, students built
a truss girder out of bamboo culms (Figure 1) that is soon to be tested
in a large-scale bending test comparable to those already conducted on
single and double bamboo beams (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Testing setup for a single beam bending test.
*Teaching team “Climate-friendly building” at the
RheinMain University of Applied Sciences:
Sascha Luippold, Oliver Bletz-Mühldorfer, Andrès
Bäppler, Paulino Botao, Jan Glasmeier, Nicolai
Ochs, Christoph Diekhans, Pascal Franck
During the CONCEPT seminars, the students first have to deal with
the challenges the natural building material bamboo entails. They apply
classical architectural approaches and find suitable design adaptations
and customized static concepts. Afterwards, the developed designs
are used as the base for the following DESIGN&BUILD seminars. For
example, in 2023, the students built a pavilion presented during the
European Bamboo Expo 2023 (“Bambillion”, Figure 3). During an
international summer school in Summer 2024, a previously developed
design was appropriately adapted in a building on the HSRM campus.
Today, the resulting “BambooBar” (Figure 4) is used for meetings and
celebrations at the university.
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SUPPORTER
Figure 3: „Bambillion“ resulting from the DESIGN&BUILD seminar in Summer 2023.
After the students became familiar with bamboo, some flew to different
African countries to put the obtained skills into practice during the ON-
SITE seminars. There is an ongoing project with multiple NGO’s in Ghana
aiming to build a bamboo education center for locals. Two groups of
students have already visited the building site in Ghana and worked on
the project in Spring 2023 and 2025. The students started with building
the basic infrastructure, e.g., a roofed bamboo treatment sink (Figure 5).
Later, the second group of students went to the construction site and
built residential houses (Figure 6) following the construction kit developed
by an HSRM student during his Bachelor's thesis.
In Mozambique, the second African country visited by a student group,
the students learned about the local conditions and weather. The African
country has to deal with cyclones and resulting floods, leading to the
necessity of adaptation for building climate-resilient houses. During their
visit, the students have familiarized themselves with the country and the
people by visiting different cities and exchanging their knowledge during
mutual lectures (e.g., with students from UEM Maputo).
Additionally, ongoing PhD studies at HSRM investigate the material
behavior of further engineered bamboo products, i.e., laminated bamboo
lumber (LBL), and their connection types. The aim is to bring LBL
closer to technical applications; thus, knowledge about the mechanical
behavior and the associated characteristic values is indispensable. Since
wood is a well-known material in Europe, a direct comparison of the
related materials offers itself. Therefore, different material tests (e.g.,
bending tests) are conducted on the differing materials and are directly
contrasted.
Figure 4: “BambooBar” resulting from the international
DESIGN&BUILD seminar in Summer 2024.
Figure 5: Bamboo treatment sink for the Ghanaian
bamboo education center built during an ON-SITE
seminar in 2023.
Figure 6: Residential houses built in the Ghanaian
bamboo education center in 2025 following the developed
construction kit. (Photo: Florentin Muchenberger)
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SUPPORTER
JAN DETAVERNIER
Bamboo: a personal exploration
of nature, art and connection
My relationship with bamboo didn’t start in my studio or workshop but finds
its origin in the Brazilian jungle, between the vibrant shades of green. There,
towering bamboo trees stood like guardians of an otherworldly realm. Each
rustle of their leaves echoed an ancient chant, inviting me on a journey of
self‐discovery through nature. It was among these natural wonders that I
met my guide—not in person, but the whispers carried by the gentle breeze
through the bamboo leaves.
During my stay in a rural community in Brazil, I immersed myself in the
art of construction using bamboo—the natural gifts that formed the
foundation of the community’s infrastructure. The essence of bamboo,
embodying resilience, simplicity, and adaptability, deeply resonated with
me. Over time, it became the core of my practice.
I developed my own techniques for shaping bamboo into organic
structures, studying how it bends, how its nodes and segments create a
rhythmic flow. From knotting methods to bending techniques and intricate
joinery inspired by ancient craftsmanship and modern technology, my work
evolved. I examined this fusion of tradition and innovation, studied by the
university and applied it in towers and space-frame structures, mathematics
and parametric design play a key role in my Designs.
What started as a personal exploration gradually grew into a shared experience.
My installations found their way into festivals, zoos, and theme parks, where
bamboo transformed into a storyteller—its tales translated through the
craftsmanship of our team. With every project, we embraced the challenge of
integrating with nature, giving form to the energy of a place and the experience
it evokes.
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SUPPORTER
JAN DETAVERNIER
Rhythms became patterns, vibrating in harmony with visitors. These
experiences laid the foundation of my further artistic practice, where
bamboo structures serve as temples that honor our planet,
celebrate life, and deepen human connection. They are
portals in nature, opening doors to awareness and
reflection.
In the following years, where the geometry
unfolds, the element of water became my
next guide on this journey. Literally and
figuratively a source of inspiration, with its
constant movement and reflective surface
providing a perfect canvas for new ideas
and creations. Floating temples to engage
with the natural world in new ways.
As a result of exploring both bamboo
and water, I often integrate shifting
patterns and dynamic compositions into
my structures, making them energetic and
ever-changing spaces. Visitors are invited
to enter and engage—whether to meditate,
reflect, or to be open to a sense of wonder.
And so, up to this point, my personal exploration
has brought me awe for nature and a deep respect
for its forms and language, but also the motivation to
share this —not only in my practice as an artist but also
through Rimboe (an old Dutch word for ‘jungle’), a company
dedicated to designing and shaping unique environments, supported
by the use of nature and its elements.
Feel free to contact us if you want to approach your project more
holistically, align your design more closely with nature, or seek
reinforcement from a bamboo specialist and construction team. With
craftsmanship, we are ready to shape your experience and bring your
vision to life.
www.jandetavernier.com
www.rimboe.eu
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Wübu – Bamboo:
Efficiency, Invention and Process
Since 2012, we have been
working with bamboo,
developing innovative
methods and procedures
to achieve better-quality
products at the most
competitive prices.
One of the most important—if not the most critical—aspects
of our process is preservation.
Often, people underestimate the importance of bamboo
preservation. There are, of course, traditional methods
passed down through generations, such as harvesting
during the right lunar phase and allowing the bamboo poles
to undergo natural preservation through bacterial activity
that transforms sugars into vinegar. Another example is
submerging bamboo in saltwater for 28 days under specific
conditions.
However, if you aim to sell tens of thousands of bamboo
poles per month, guarantee the quality of your preservation
method, maintain low production costs, and ensure fast
response times and logistics, relying on lunar phases or
natural saltwater processes is simply not feasible.
On the other hand, industrial methods offer precision,
reliability, and speed, but their implementation can be
prohibitively expensive for startups. Faced with limited
resources, we needed a cost-effective, efficient, and scalable
industrial solution that would allow year-round harvesting,
quick preservation, and a 100% guarantee of quality.
This challenge led us to study Walter Liese’s Modified
Boucherie System, which we further innovated. We
envisioned a portable system that could be transported
directly to plantations, enabling on-site curing and allowing
the poles to begin their initial drying process immediately.
With less than $2,000, we successfully developed this
system.
Below: Preservation conference at the University of Santa Rosa de
Cabal, in Risaralda, Colombia. (2025)
After curing thousands of poles, rigorously testing their
quality over the years, and validating the reliability of our
preservation method, we launched our export program in
2024. To date, we have shipped several containers of highquality
bamboo poles and slats, all meeting strict standards
and exceeding performance expectations.
This milestone marks the second stage of our master plan:
expanding into higher-value bamboo products. We are
now producing fences, weavings, squared slats, and, soon,
biomass for a valued client and partner here in Europe.
At Wübu, our mission is to produce the highest quality
bamboo products using the most efficient processes. This
approach allows us to increase productivity, meet the
demands of new clients, develop innovative product lines, and
explore emerging markets. We believe bamboo represents the
new frontier—a foundation for humanity’s sustainable future.
We are sharing this vision with the world! Through
workshops, podcasts, keynote presentations, and
collaborations, we are showcasing our Wübu-Boucherie
systems and bamboo products. Additionally, we have
signed agreements with machinery producers and tool
manufacturers to offer precise, efficient equipment for
bamboo transformation.
Join us as we build a sustainable future with bamboo—
together.
If you need product, advise, support, prepare a workshop or
just want to chat, please feel free to contact us.
www.wububamboo.com
34

SUPPORTER
Bambusa: Bamboo Specialists Since 2009
Since 2009, Bambusa has been a leader in the Southern Europe bamboo industry,
specializing in structural design, decoration, and direct sales of high-quality bamboo
products. With a deep understanding of bamboo’s versatility and sustainability, we
provide innovative solutions for architects, builders, designers, and homeowners
looking for eco-friendly and durable materials.
Bamboo Structural Design & Decoration
Bambusa is specialized in bamboo structural design, offering expert engineering
and construction support for projects ranging from residential homes to commercial
spaces. Bamboo’s remarkable strength, flexibility, and lightweight properties make it
an ideal material for modern, sustainable architecture. Our team works closely with
clients to create custom designs, whether for bamboo roofs, walls, pergolas, or
interior installations.
In decoration, we transform bamboo into elegant and
functional elements, including wall panels, furniture, lighting,
and artistic installations. Bamboo’s natural aesthetic adds
warmth and sophistication to any space, blending seamlessly
with contemporary and traditional designs alike.
Premium Bamboo Products – Direct from Source
Bambusa ensures the highest quality by directly sourcing
bamboo poles, flooring, cladding and boards from trusted
growers and high quality standards companies in engineered
products, supplying from Valencia (Spain) to all Europe.
Our selection includes:
- Bamboo Poles: Ideal for construction, landscaping, and
DIY projects, available in various diameters and lengths.
- Bamboo Rolls and panels: nature’s elegant, durable solution
for fencing & shading
- Bamboo Flooring: Durable, stylish, and eco-friendly,
perfect for residential and commercial interiors.
- Bamboo Boards: Versatile for furniture-making, cabinetry,
and decorative applications.
- Bamboo Cladding: Sustainable, durable, and visually striking alternative
to traditional wood or composite siding.
Why Choose Bambusa?
Expertise: Over a decade of experience in bamboo applications.
Custom Solutions: Tailored designs for structural and decorative needs.
Quality Assurance: Direct sourcing guarantees superior materials.
Sustainability: Supporting green building practices with renewable materials.
Whether you’re planning a bamboo construction project, seeking decorative
elements, or sourcing premium bamboo products, Bambusa is your trusted partner.
Discover the endless possibilities of bamboo with us!
Contact Bambusa today to discuss your project or explore our product catalog. Let’s
build a greener future together.
Sustainable. Strong. Beautiful. Bambusa – Bamboo Specialists Since 2009.
https://bambusa.es/
Email:
info@bambusa.es
estudio@bambusa.es
shop@bambusa.es
Tel.
+34 652 34 97 86 (ESP-ENG)
+34 635 53 57 45 (ESP-PT)
+39 378 06 91 551 (IT)
Social:
@bambusaestudio
instagram
facebook
twitter/X
pinterest
Linkedin
35

SUPPORTER
Design-Build-Redesign:
The Opportunity for Bamboo Architecture in Europe
How can bamboo be used seriously as part of a
sustainable building culture in Europe—not just
as decoration, but as a functional and structural
material?
In the long term, this will only work if education on
building with bamboo is established in architecture
and engineering programs across Europe.
Otherwise, it will remain just a nice idea and
nothing more.
A good example of this approach is the Community
Competence Centre (CCC) in Nkoaranga, Tanzania.
As part of a design-build project, architecture
students from HTWG Konstanz are planning
the building and will construct it together in the
summer of 2025 with the local community, local
craftsmen, and international partners.
Initiated by the NGO changelis Germany and
changelis Tanzania, as well as Worldschool
Global gUG, the center promotes education,
entrepreneurship, and social transformation. It
offers vocational training, workshops, courses, and
cultural exchange. Young people learn to use tools
and take responsibility; women gain access to an
entrepreneurial position. The local community is
actively involved.
The CCC is part of a larger vision: changelis and
Worldschool Global wants to create places around
the world that combine education, sustainability,
and community.
Through the design-build teaching approach
at HTWG Konstanz, a space is created to both
develop and share knowledge about bamboo
architecture—bringing this knowledge back into
European architectural education and contributing
to the growth of bamboo architecture in Europe.
HTWG Konstanz University of Applied Sciences.
Changelis gUG
Worldschool Global gUG
www.bamboobelt.com
36

SUPPORTER
Bio Bambù Italia:
innovation and sustainability through bamboo
Bio Bambù Italia is an innovative agricultural startup based in Padua, Italy, leading the way
in high-yield bamboo cultivation and committed to creating a sustainable supply chain. Our
mission is to actively combat climate change by developing reforestation projects that remove
CO2 from the atmosphere, contributing to a greener and healthier planet.
At the core of our work lies over 12 years of research and development in bamboo cultivation
that led us to achieve significant milestones. This dedication to innovation has enabled us
to create advanced solutions, such as bamboo fiber bricks and bioplastics, showcasing the
versatility of this remarkable material in industries ranging from construction to design.
In addition to our sustainability-focused projects, Bio Bambù Italia has introduced a unique
food and beverage line entirely based on bamboo. Our offerings include bamboo-infused teas,
creams, and an exquisite bamboo grappa, blending the plant’s beneficial properties with the
finest Italian craftsmanship. These products are designed to promote health and wellness
while responsibly utilizing natural resources.
A unique aspect of our operations is the integration of advanced technologies designed
to optimize bamboo cultivation while ensuring complete transparency through the use of
blockchain technology. This innovative system enables us to monitor every stage of the
process, from planting to resource management, ensuring high standards of sustainability
and traceability. In our company, sustainability goes beyond reducing emissions, extending to
the creation of a responsible cultivation model that generates environmental, economic, and
social benefits.
Our commitment to research and development extends to exploring new applications for
bamboo and bamboo chips. From fiber bricks to bioplastic innovations, Bio Bambù Italia is at
the forefront of sustainable material development, pushing the boundaries of what bamboo
can achieve.
With ambitious plans to expand internationally by 2026 and to cultivate 1,000 hectares of
bamboo by 2030, Bio Bambù Italia aims to become a global model of sustainability and
innovation. Our vision goes beyond production: we aspire to inspire and support other
organizations, contributing to the creation of a collaborative ecosystem for a sustainable
future.
Bio Bambù Italia’s work goes beyond agriculture; it’s a vision for a greener, more
sustainable world. By combining cutting-edge technology, innovative products, and a deep
commitment to the environment, we are paving the way for a future where bamboo plays a
central role in fighting climate change and promoting a sustainable development.
GROW A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE WITH BIO BAMBÙ ITALIA!
https://www.biobambuitalia.it/
37

SUPPORTER
ABOUT BAMBU BATU
Since 2006, Bambu Batu has served as a wellspring of knowledge and awareness
for the world’s most sustainable plant. What started as a fanciful passion project in
a sleepy beach town on California’s Central Coast eventually grew into one of the
internet’s most respected and well-rooted resources on bamboo—spanning topics
from sustainable farming and carbon sequestration to taxonomy, mythology, and
just about everything in between.
Cultivated with care by lifelong nature enthusiast Fred Hornaday, Bambu Batu
blends botanical insight, cultural context, and ecological advocacy into a uniquely
readable package and a powerful YouTube presence. Whether you're a hobby
gardener, eco-entrepreneur, or investor exploring the green frontier, you’ll find
something useful and unexpected among these prolific articles and videos.
Also specializing in biochar production and carbon credit generation, Fred
offers consulting services for entrepreneurs, developers, and investors seeking
guidance on bamboo-related ventures—from site assessments and due diligence
to sustainable product development and carbon compliance. He has consulted on
projects in Costa Rica, Thailand, Mexico, Nigeria and the Philippines, and presented
workshops in Spain, Portugal and Mozambique. Whether you're evaluating a
bamboo plantation or exploring regenerative design, Fred brings a sharp eye for
feasibility, ecological impact, and long-term value.
At Bambu Batu, we believe bamboo is more than a plant—it’s a philosophy, a
solution, and a story worth telling. So pull up a seat, pour yourself a cup of tea and
explore the wondrous world of bamboo like never before.
https://bambubatu.com/bambu-batu/
38

SUPPORTER
Let opportunities grow
Building schools in Guatemala with bamboo and clay
We are OYAK e.V. - a non-profit organization that finances
school construction projects in the highlands of Guatemala.
For over 30 years, we have been working with our partners
in the Sololá region for a fair distribution of education.
In Guatemala, the indigenous population in particular is
systematically disadvantaged and discriminated. We are
convinced that education is the key to a self-determined life
and the base for equal opportunities within a society. As
access to education is not guaranteed, our aim is to support
the communities in financing and constructing suitable school
buildings.
We attach great importance to sustainability and local knowhow.
Building with clay has a long tradition in Guatemala.
The raw material can usually be extracted directly on the
construction sites and is easy to recycle - in contrast to
the very energy-intensive production of cement. It is easy
to shape and ensures an optimal indoor climate in the
classrooms during dry or rainy periods. In combination
with bamboo, this results in a construction method that not
only fulfills a practical and aesthetic purpose, but is also
earthquake-proof.
Bamboo is both hard and
resilient, but also flexible
and light - a natural allrounder.
Advantages that a
construction made of steel
and cement cannot guarantee. Bamboo grows fast and stores
large amounts of CO 2
. Within a few years, it is stable enough
to be used in construction. A great advantage in a country like
Guatemala, where commercial forests are rare.
In Guatemala, we are working closely with our friends and
partners, the architects Luis and Estuardo Palacios from
Arquitlan. They coordinate and plan the construction of a
school, accept requests and train locals to work with the
materials. This ensures that a school is built where it is
urgently needed.
We also send a group of young people to our construction
sites in Guatemala every year. In this way, we promote
international understanding and raise young people's
awareness of the value of education and international
cooperation.
True to our guiding principle: Todo es posible - Nothing is impossible!
Support us at:
www.oyak.de
Follow us on
Instagram @oyakexperanza
Facebook @OYAK.Esperanza
39

SUPPORTER
Advocates for Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) is a Ghana-based non-profit
organisation established in 2015 and formally registered in 2019. ABC is dedicated to
combating environmental degradation and promoting sustainable livelihoods through education,
community empowerment, and innovative climate-smart practices. With a mission to
harmonise human advancement with ecological stewardship, ABC operates nationwide using
programs in sustainable forest management, climate-smart agriculture, green enterprise
development, and landscape restoration.
ABC is influencing lives by providing vulnerable communities (especially women and youth) with
a source of livelihood through a transformational agenda of the bamboo industry in Ghana.
Promoting bamboo agroforestry
In partnership with the Bamboo Farmers Association, Advocates for Biodiversity Conservation
(ABC) is promoting bamboo agroforestry across Ghana’s Eastern, Ashanti, and Central Regions.
This project forms part of ABC’s broader commitment to sustainable land management and
climate-smart agriculture. By integrating bamboo cultivation into agroforestry systems, the
initiative aims to restore degraded landscapes, enhance soil health, and provide alternative
livelihoods for local communities, especially smallholder farmers. Through capacity-building
programs, technical assistance, and market linkages, ABC is empowering farmers not only to
grow bamboo sustainably but also to benefit from its full value chain.
Building resilience through sustainable livelihoods
We are actively partnering with key stakeholders to develop small-scale bamboo-based
industries which aim to support the processing of bamboo into everyday household products
such as furniture, utensils, charcoal alternatives, and crafts. By promoting value addition at
the community level, ABC is not only enhancing the utility of bamboo as a sustainable natural
resource but also creating new income-generating opportunities for rural households. This
initiative focuses on empowering women and youth through skills training, entrepreneurship
support, and access to markets.
Public awareness of environmental degradation and replacing
single-use plastics
ABC is collaborating with stakeholders to champion sustainable alternatives to single-use
plastics, placing bamboo at the forefront of this movement. By promoting bamboo as an ecofriendly,
biodegradable substitute for plastic in the production of household items and packaging
materials, ABC is contributing to both waste reduction and environmental preservation. This
initiative not only addresses the urgent need to reduce plastic dependency but also strengthens
the local bamboo value chain, creating green jobs and fostering innovation in sustainable
product design.
Join us in building a future where people and nature thrive together. To learn more about our
initiatives and how you can get involved,
visit our website at https://www.biodiversityadvocates.org/,
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/biodiversityadvocates/
and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/biodiversity_advocates/
40

SUPPORTER
The Artist as Activist project in Zambia invited partners, artists and communities in one of the
poorest neighbourhoods in Lusaka to explore what structures, stories and performances can be
built, designed, played and imagined with Zambian grown bamboo and recycled plastic waste.
4 months of creative research by performers at Circus Zambia, a grassroots circus project, and
staff at ZUKANI Action Zambia, a plastic waste collecting social enterprise, in collaboration with
Imagine Bamboo Creative Director Orit Azaz and Nofit State Circus, resulted in prototyping
of shelters, seating, musical instruments, baskets and structures to facilitate high skill circus.
New circus, dance and music performances were created and premiered at a daylong outdoor
community festival attended by 1000s of local people.
The project drew in other local partners including an agricultural outreach project that currently
uses wood for biofuel but wants to reduce its carbon footprint. The company has invested in a
long term bamboo planting and education project of impressive scale. After initial research to
identify the most appropriate bamboo species for Zambian environmental conditions and biofuel
purpose, its focus is now on bambusa balcooa. Plants have been procured from Bambu Nusa
Verde lab in Indonesia and are being nurtured in Lusaka before being distributed to 12,000 farms
across Zambia, alongside a programme to educate farmers about how to grow and care for
bamboo on their land.
500 baby bamboo plants were offered to the Artist as Activist project to distribute to local
community organisations and residents. In turn, this attracted support from local councillors,
keen to be seen to contribute to improving the local environment and cleaning up illegal dump
sites, and attention from local and national media.
The Artist as Activist project has had a big impact in Zambia, where plastic waste is a huge
problem and bamboo is considered of little interest or value. The project has raised awareness
of bamboo as an important sustainable material for construction and design that can also make
significant improvements to the environment. Partners are planning a Bamboo Association to
support continued bamboo development in the country.
The project was inspired by Imagine Bamboo, an artist‐led
project that invites specialists, artists, academics, policy
makers and people from all walks of life to explore the
potential of locally grown bamboos, alongside other
organic, recycled and recyclable materials, through creative
collaborations and events. It demonstrates the role that art
and artists can play as creative catalysts and convenors,
bringing together partners and people across disciplines, to
educate, inspire, innovate and showcase.
https://www.imagine-bamboo.co.uk/
41

SUPPORTER
Bamboo: The Overlooked Green Superpower
That Could Redefine Our Future
In India, we’ve long turned to nature for wisdom. Yet, in our
rush toward flashy innovations, we often overlook solutions
growing quietly in our own backyard. One such green
superpower is bamboo, a traditional grass that’s now ready to
shape a greener future.
When we talk about the materials that will drive a sustainable
future, we often hear about solar panels, electric vehicles,
or biofuels. But bamboo, a resource that’s been around for
centuries, is finally stepping into the spotlight, and for good
reason.
Bamboo is not just fast-growing. It’s one of the strongest,
lightest, and most versatile materials on Earth. It absorbs
carbon dioxide faster than most trees, grows without
chemicals, and regenerates quickly. Yet in many parts of the
world, including India, its potential is still underused.
Beyond Farming and Construction: Bamboo’s
Untapped Potential
Most people think bamboo is only good for scaffolding or
rural furniture. But today, it can replace wood, plastic, and
even steel in everything from public transport to fashion,
housing, packaging, and clean energy. It’s already being
tested in aircraft interiors and automobiles.
And it’s not just sustainable. It’s smart business.
Entrepreneurs are now building ventures around bamboo
furniture, eco-packaging, biochar, toothbrushes, textiles, and
much more.
Bamboo Is Changing Lives
Did you know bamboo is helping over 2 million artisans in
India? Rural families make incense sticks, baskets, mats, and
more — all from bamboo. The incense stick industry alone
supports 1.2 million jobs and is worth ₹1,100 crore.
A big example of this rural transformation lies in how bamboo
is driving innovation and income across India. Farmers in
Maharashtra and the North East are now seeing big returns.
With the right training, they’re earning lakhs and even crores
through bamboo cultivation. This one plant is powering a
green rural economy. Biodegradable cutlery, toothbrushes,
straws, and even paper are all being made from bamboo
now.
Even in Gujarat, two brothers built a ₹4,500 bamboo windmill
to help salt farmers save on diesel. In Assam, bamboo is
being turned into bioethanol, offering an eco-friendly fuel
alternative. Real stories, real impact.
A New Era of Green Construction
The construction industry is one of the largest contributors
to carbon emissions, with materials like cement and steel
generating significant CO₂. However, bamboo is emerging as
a game-changer.
Studies show that bamboo can store 12–17 tons of CO₂ per
hectare per year, making it more efficient than many trees in
terms of carbon sequestration. Its rapid growth, maturing in
just 3–5 years, allows it to be harvested sustainably, making
bamboo an ideal material for carbon capture.
Countries like China and India are increasingly using bamboo
in construction, replacing traditional high-emission materials.
As the world pushes towards net-zero goals, bamboo is
being recognized for its dual role in both reducing emissions
and promoting eco-friendly building practices.
42

SUPPORTER
India’s Bamboo Revolution: Leading with Innovation
India has the second-largest bamboo reserves in the world, and it's
turning this green opportunity into real action.
In Maharashtra, the world’s first bamboo crash barrier, named Bahu
Balli, stands tall on the Vani-Warora highway. In Pachgaon village,
an Adivasi community revived its forest rights and earned over
₹1 crore, without cutting a single tree, while building schools and
securing livelihoods.
Bengaluru’s T2 terminal is among Asia’s greenest, using engineered
bamboo in its stunning design. In Meghalaya, bamboo water towers
are bringing clean drinking water to remote villages with low-cost,
local solutions.
Meanwhile, startups in Assam and Tripura are giving bamboo
furniture a stylish, modern twist, making it popular in global
markets. In Nagaland, bamboo textiles are turning into breathable,
biodegradable fashion. A research centre in Mizoram is boosting
bamboo innovation and entrepreneurship across the Northeast.
Entrepreneurs in Odisha are making bamboo charcoal for water
filters, air purifiers, and skincare, reducing the need for chemicalbased
products. In Tamil Nadu, bamboo flooring is becoming a
sustainable interior choice, and in Uttar Pradesh, bamboo is helping
create eco-friendly paper products.
Assam is even converting bamboo into biofuels like bioethanol,
offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.
Bamboo is powering a quiet revolution across India, proving that
sustainable solutions can be homegrown, innovative, and deeply
rooted in tradition.
Bamboo Goes Global and India Leads the Way
India is now the second-largest exporter of bamboo, sending it to
172 countries including the US, UK, and Bhutan. Bamboo, once seen
as a rural resource, is now a global trend.
In 2025, the world will turn its eyes to India again at the European
Bamboo Expo in Germany. News with Navya has been named the
official media partner for the event — a big win for India’s bamboo
story and for climate journalism.
This partnership brings India’s innovations to a global audience and
celebrates how bamboo blends community wisdom, science, and
entrepreneurship.
In a world racing to find climate solutions, bamboo is standing tall,
quietly solving problems, creating jobs, and offering hope. And now,
with India stepping up and storytellers like News with
Navya amplifying the voices behind these solutions,
the world might just start paying attention.
Let’s stop calling bamboo “just another material.”
It might just be our future.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/navyasinghnwn/
https://www.youtube.com/@newswithnavya
https://www.instagram.com/newswithnavya/
43

SUPPORTER
DOST-FPRDI Leads Bamboo Innovations for
Sustainability and Resilience
The Department of Science and Technology – Forest Products Research and
Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) is committed to the sustainable use of forest
resources, with particular focus on bamboo research and innovation. Recognized
as a flagship raw material, bamboo plays a central role in the Institute’s efforts to
promote resource conservation and push for socio-economic progress.
Thriving in both tropical and temperate regions, bamboo has been used widely for
centuries in construction, furniture-making, and handicrafts. Traditional practices
in bamboo utilization have mostly depended on knowledge passed down through
generations. Recognizing this limitation, DOST-FPRDI is integrating science,
technology, and innovation into every stage of bamboo processing—from drying and
preservation to the development of innovative products and specialized machines--
to optimize the material’s utilization. The Institute has studied bamboo’s applications
in housing and construction, handicraft and furniture production, fuel, wellness
products, human security, arts and culture.
One of the Institute’s standout bamboo innovation is Silyang Pinoy, a
multi‐functional school desk and chair made from engineered bamboo, wood, and
metal. Designed not only for classroom use, Silyang Pinoy can transform into a
bed during emergencies, offering comfort and safety in evacuation centers. It is
user-friendly, requiring no special tools for conversion, making it ideal for rapid
deployment during disasters.
The furniture went through a rigorous development process--from ergonomic
design, prototyping, strength testing (PNS ISO 7173:2006), to field testing in
schools across the Philippines, specifically in Camiguin, Palawan, and Apayao
provinces. Silyang Pinoy also meets the cost standards set by the Department
of Education, rendering it a practical and economical investment for schools and
communities, especially those in disaster-prone areas.
Beyond classrooms, Silyang Pinoy supports the Philippine bamboo industry
by boosting demand, creating local jobs, and promoting sustainable furniture
production in rural communities. It is a perfect blend of innovation, practicality, and
Filipino ingenuity – proving that even a simple chair can make a lasting impact on
education, resilience, and sustainability.
Connect with us:
www.fprdi.dost.gov.ph
info@fprdi.dost.gov.ph
(049) 536-2377
44

SUPPORTER
The Haitian Bamboo Initiative
Haiti, the first free Black republic in the world and the
western part of the island of Hispaniola, faces a complex set
of interwoven ecological and economic crises.
Deforestation—historically driven by the burden of colonial
debts and today largely by charcoal production—has led to
soil erosion, deadly floods, and landslides. Situated in the
Caribbean, along major fault lines and within the hurricane
belt, the country is highly vulnerable to natural disasters.
Meanwhile, economic instability, over-centralization, and
decades of deindustrialization—accelerated by neoliberal
trade policies—have left Haiti heavily dependent on imports,
especially for quality construction materials adapted to local
risks.
The Haitian Bamboo Initiative aims to develop a bamboo
industry in Haiti. Large-scale bamboo planting could
transform degraded hillsides into green barriers that stabilize
soil, absorb water, and prevent erosion. With its rapid growth
and strong, flexible properties, bamboo offers a sustainable,
earthquake-resistant alternative for construction—vital in a
country with chronic housing shortages and high seismic risk.
Beyond construction, bamboo can replace wood in furniture
and crafts, and provide an alternative to charcoal through
bamboo-based briquettes.
Alongside the widespread Bambusa vulgaris, Haitian nurseries
already cultivate species such as Dendrocalamus asper,
D. membranaceus, Thyrsostachys siamensis, and Guadua
angustifolia—mainly used
for slope stabilization and
riverbank conservation.
Despite previous bamboo
projects, the plant’s full
potential—especially for
building—remains largely
unexplored in Haiti.
By investing in plantations
and processing
infrastructure, Haiti can
leverage its fertile tropical
soils to build a climateresilient,
job-creating, and sustainable economy rooted in
local production. In early 2025, we selected a test plot on the
southern peninsula and ordered the first 1,000 seedlings to be
planted at 500 meters of altitude.
We now seek further international support to expand this
work in partnership with local decision-makers—planting
bamboo, training communities, and spreading vital knowledge
for growing and working with this remarkable natural
resource.
Contact:
Dr. Yann Kersaint
info@haitibamboo.org
45

SUPPORTER
Over the past years, our team at ZIING has been pioneering a modular construction system
that reimagines how we build sustainable, carbon-positive structures. At its core is a versatile
truss unit crafted from bamboo and wood, designed to interlock like oversized LEGO pieces.
By snapping together these prefabricated modules, any form of structure can rise quickly
on‐site, most notably column-free houses that maximize uninterrupted interior space.
Why bamboo? As one of the fastest-growing plant on the
planet, bamboo offers a remarkable combination of strength,
flexibility, and renewability. Unlike conventional timber that
can take decades to mature, bamboo reaches full size within
months and regenerates very quickly after harvest without
replanting.
When assembled into truss units, bamboo and sustainably
harvested wood form a highperformance framework with
an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. Each truss module
is precision-engineered to slot together, enabling builders
to quickly raise walls, floors, and roofs. The result is a fully
column-free interior that offers unrivaled flexibility for openplan
living, adaptable workspaces, or community halls.
One of the most compelling advantages of our system is
its speed. A conventional house can take several months to
complete. In contrast, structures built from our truss modules
can be erected totally in a few weeks. This time saving not
only cuts labor costs and accelerates occupancy but also
reduces the carbon footprint associated with extended
construction. By combining rapid assembly with bamboo’s
natural carbon sequestration, our buildings actually become
net carbon positive over their life span—absorbing more CO₂
than is emitted throughout their manufacture and installation.
Our vision extends beyond individual homes. Europe faces an
escalating housing crisis, with growing demand for affordable,
sustainable dwellings. Modular, column-free homes can be
deployed rapidly to meet urgent needs - whether for urban
infill, rural communities, or emergency relief shelters - while
delivering superior environmental performance.
We are proud to announce that our truss-based pavilion has
been selected as one of the centerpiece of the International
Garden Expo (IGA) 2027 in the “Ruhrgebiet”, showcasing how
bamboo-wood modular design can shape the future of green
architecture on a global stage.
As we continue refining our design, manufacturing processes,
and supply chains, our goal remains clear: empowering
communities with fast-built, eco-friendly structures that
combat climate change, address housing shortages, and
celebrate the limitless potential of sustainable materials. The
future of construction is modular, renewable, and carbonpositive
- being built by one bamboo-wood truss at a time.
https://ziing.de/
46

BYANYAS Production and Training Facility
SUPPORTER
Project Type
Development aid project
Location
Napsan, Palawan Island, Philippines
The Project
BYANYAS is a social and environmental development initiative that aims to facilitate
a sustainable coexistence between humans and nature while preserving the
biodiversity and cultural heritage of the indigenous Tagbanua tribe. The broader
project includes initiatives in eco-tourism, eco-farming, traditional joinery, and
bamboo construction. Central to the initiative is the construction of the Production
and Training Facility, which serves multiple purposes: a workshop and bamboo
treatment facility, a training centre, as well as a community hub for local gatherings
and cultural events. The facility supports local development by offering training
programs, creating jobs and allowing the local community to engage in sustainable
practices.
Constructed primary from locally sourced bamboo, the facility aligns with the
project's environmental focus and symbolises the integration of indigenous
knowledge with modern ecological design, reinforcing economic and cultural
autonomy for the Tagbanua.
https://en.byanyas.ch/
Date Hand-over
The construction of the facility was completed and handed over in May 2023
Initiators & Financing
The project was initiated by Hendrik Alsmann, a qualified carpenter and M.Sc. Civil
Engineer. He started working on this project in collaboration with Joel Lobsiger
(general manager at Byanas Foundation Inc. and the overall project), whom he met
in the Philippines in 2013. Hendrik managed the (architectural) design process of
the facility and the comprehensive bamboo project implementation.
The project was financed be the Ilse und Johann Hoff-Stiftung and the Byanyas
Foundation Inc.
Design
The facility is primarily built from local bamboo (mainly Dendrocalamus Latiflorus,
less Bambusa Blumeana), reflecting the project’s commitment to ecological
sustainability. The building was designed to be both functional and integrated
with its environment, using passive design principles for thermal comfort. The
roof, sloped at about 30 degrees to ensure optimal aerodynamics and rapid
rainwater drainage, includes a detached roof covered with twin-wall sheets for
natural daylight and natural ventilation. Bamboo trusses support the roof, with
joints reinforced using steel bolts, and internodes filled with cement mortar.
Bamboo preservation was achieved using a borax/boric acid solution to prevent
degradation.
Students from Münster University of Applied Sciences worked on the design under
Hendrik’s guidance, and the final concept was developed by Marina Hülsmann and
Jasmina Abendroth.
Current Status
The facility is fully operational. About 30 workers remain part of the ongoing
construction team, adding 10 workers in the bamboo team specifically focused
on bamboo harvesting and processing. The team has been working on various
construction projects, such as residential and holiday homes, all using bamboo as
the primary building material.
The facility continues to serve as a workshop, training centre, and community space
for the local population, fulfilling its role in the ecological, economic and social
development of the Tagbanua tribe.
47

SUPPORTER
Thanks to
HängemattenGlück
GmbH, the bamboo
construction workshop
at the European Bamboo
Expo 2025 offered both
relaxation and creativity
in perfect balance.
HängemattenGlück is a company based in Freiburg im Breisgau. For almost 20 years, it has been
selling colorful, fair-trade organic hammocks and hanging chairs produced in India.
The product range includes ultra-light travel hammocks, fabric hammocks for the whole family,
mesh hammocks inspired by Mexican designs, classic spreader bar hammocks, as well as
hanging chairs and cushions in the most vibrant colors.
HängemattenGlück's declared goals are to ensure that the 34 workers in India involved in
production are well paid, have a safe workplace, have health insurance, and security for their
retirement.
All products are handmade from the finest organic cotton. This guarantees the farmers a secure
income through fixed prices and meets the highest demands of buyers due to its durability, skinfriendliness,
and pleasant texture.
The hammocks and hanging chairs are certified with the GOTS label. The "Global Organic Textile
Standard" sets strict guidelines that are monitored throughout the entire production chain. The
GOTS logo therefore guarantees not only the use of organic fibers but also the environmentally
and socially responsible production of textiles.
HängemattenGlück stands for the happiness of all people who come into contact with its
products: From the happiness of the farmers who grow the cotton and the workers who
process it to the happiness of the buyers who ultimately relax in the hammock.
48
https://haengemattenglueck.de/

SUPPORTER
Dutch Bamboo Foundation
Shaping a Regenerative Future with Bamboo
The Dutch Bamboo Foundation is on a mission to establish a thriving European bamboo
economy—from farming to industry to design. As a proud partner of the New European
Bauhaus (NEB), we work at the intersection of sustainability, creativity, and inclusion to
showcase bamboo as a powerful material for a circular, regenerative future.
In 2024, our flagship project with Studio Akeka and Vinc Math Bamboo Consulting—the
Trilix Bamboo Pavilion—illuminated the New European Bauhaus Festival and Dutch
Design Week, capturing the imagination of thousands. Earlier this year, we brought
bamboo into the heart of the building industry at BouwBeurs, inviting professionals to
experience bamboo's potential as a sustainable building material.
But this is only the beginning. We believe the time is now to build a European Bamboo
Supply Chain that connects growers, makers, designers, researchers, and policy leaders.
Bamboo is more than a material—it's a catalyst for climate adaptation, soil regeneration,
rural livelihoods, and carbon storage.
That’s why we’re launching the NEB Lab on Bamboo+, an open innovation platform
supported by the European Commission to co‐develop solutions for Europe’s regenerative
future. This Lab will serve as a collaborative engine for piloting projects, influencing policy,
and scaling local-to-continental impact.
Join us. If you’re a designer, municipality, researcher, engineer, or nature-based
innovator—become a co-founder of the NEB Lab on Bamboo+ and help shape the next
chapter of Europe’s bio-based transformation.
To learn more or get involved, visit: www.dutchbamboo.org
49

about
BAMBOO
… the logic of bamboo
by Thi Thu Hoa DO,
PhD Researcher in Management Sciences
at the University de Limoges.
email: thi_thu_hoa.do@unilim.fr
There are times when everything piles up at the same time,
leaving us drained. In that chaos, we may unconsciously
say unkind words hurting others, and may receive the hurt
in return, creating a cycle of pain. In those moments, my
“European Asian” friend Dung Hans is always there. She
doesn't offer advice or grand gestures, she simply says,
“Here I am, so you are not alone. Helping you helps me too.”
The Western view of the individual as a distinct "I-the self,"
rooted in Descartes 1 ' Cogito, ergo sum 1 , and expanded
by Kant 2 and Sartre 3 's notions of moral autonomy and
existential freedom, keeps “the self” separate from the
collective. In contrast, Edward Said 4 explores Eastern
perspectives of interconnectedness, with Suzuki 5 and Watts 6
advocating for dissolving “the self” into the universe, the
“Interbeing 7 “ of Thich Nhat Hanh 8 highlighting relational
existence, and Fritjof Capra 9 connecting these ideas to
quantum physics, showing reality as an interconnected web.
The “self” always flows together with the world.
Dung Hans' words flow with empathy, breaking the boundary
between the two, allowing the suffering self to transform,
like a seed pushing through the soil towards the light. Like a
“…The bamboo grows with the rain, becomes resilient
with the wind.
Being cut is to grow, no matter what as each stalk is
part of a cluster,
In Interbeing, the bamboo is one in each, and each is in one.
This is the logic of bamboo.”
bamboo cluster, each stalk supports the others, never judging
sun or rain as good or bad, but remaining ever-receptive and
transformative. Together, they endure every trial and grow
stronger as one.
Bamboo does not demand special treatment 10 . Whether the
earth is dry or moist, bamboo still grows 11 , absorbs more
CO2 12 , and emits more oxygen 13 . And if one bamboo stalk
falls, those beside it lean in, not from weakness, but from
solidarity 14 . Bamboo never asks why the wind is strong; it
simply bends with grace and holds the roots together 15 .
Bamboo Europe Rooted in Craft & Care begins in a humble French workshop
…the logic of bamboo not only in Asian culture but also in the heart of Europe.
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the old quarter of Brive-la-Gaillarde, behind a modest façade, is a small bamboo furniture
workshop, one of the very few in Europe. Nestled among antique cafés, stone-walled shops in a medieval style, I met Le
Vanier, where bamboo bends under the hands of the artisan who has known it since
And yet, as the couple, Le Vanier,
approaches retirement, they struggle
to find someone to take over their
small but sustained business. A
quiet reminder that while the EU
talks green transition, the green
hands doing the work are being
forgotten. A question arose: What
if the future of Bamboo Europe
was not built in factories, but in
gardens?
childhood, with a craft passed down from his father. His wife works beside him,
having spent a lifetime handcrafting chairs, baskets, and furniture from a material
that few in Europe understand.
Le Vanier, a name whispered by generations of loyal customers since his late father,
continues the family tradition not out of nostalgia, but because, as he says, “Bamboo
is a companion.” In his small workshop, spanning 80 square meters, cracked and
aged bamboo rattan is carefully processed. Customers from all over France and
neighboring countries leave five-star reviews: “I brought in tired chairs, and I
found them restored,” wrote one. “A great place for those who appreciate quality
handcrafted work,” said another.
50
“We don’t take, but how can we grow together in a way that causes no one else to fall?” - a whisper
of bamboo in the age of climate change.

A Model Rooted in Life
about
BAMBOO
Linear logic
Traditional business models, rooted in control, prioritized
unlimited growth, positioning nature as a passive object,
and have increasingly been cited as contributing to
ecological degradation and the climate crisis. Scholars
such as Naomi Klein (2014 28 ), Rachel Carson (1962 29 ),
Donella Meadows (1972 30 ), have exposed how this logic
disregards natural regeneration and exceeds planetary
boundaries. Building on this, Elkington(1997 31 ), Raworth
(2017 32 ), and Hickel (2020 33 ) advocate for regenerative 34 ,
circular models 35 that honor interdependence for
sustainable business 36 in an era of climate disruption 37 .
Since the 17th century, Western business has been shaped the absence of ecological life cycles 26 , contributing to today’s
by a The linear logic or Newtonian of Bamboo (Determinism, Mechanistic, Bamboo Expo 2025 climate crisis 27 .
Predictability) by Thi Thu Hoa 16 , and DO, PhD dualistic Researcher 17 approach, in Management placing Science human at the University de Limoges. email: thi_thu_hoa.do@unilim.fr
reason at the center 18 , where society operates based …Logic of bamboo in the bamboo business
on control, Linear measurement, logic and competition. The viewed
Traditional business models, rooted in control,
development 19 as a continuous upward trajectory, regardless It’s not only prioritized what a unlimited business growth, does, positioning but how nature
Since the 17th century, Western business has been shaped by a linear or
it breathes, whom
as a passive object, and have increasingly been
of uncertainty Newtonian or (Determinism, natural flow Mechanistic, of decline and Predictability) recovery like
16 , and dualistic it serves, 17 and what it regenerates.
cited as contributing to ecological degradation
those approach. in Panarchy Descartes 20 .
18 separated humans from nature “I think, therefore I and the climate crisis.
Bamboo, the"eco-driver 38 Scholars such as Naomi
am,” placing human reason at the center, where society operates based
" operates according to the logic
Klein (2014 28 ), Rachel Carson (1962 29 ), Donella
Growth on control, was prioritized, measurement, but not and based competition. on natural The life viewed cycles, development of ecology, 19 Meadows symbiosis, (1972 30 and ), have regeneration: exposed how this because logic life is
instead as a driven continuous by linear upward extraction, trajectory, production, regardless consumption,
of uncertainty or natural a circle, not disregards a straight natural line, regeneration so Bamboo and grows exceeds together to
and waste. flow of decline M.Francis and recovery Bacon 21 like viewed those nature in Panarchy as something
20 .
provide shelter planetary 39 , to boundaries. become instruments Building on 40 , to this, serve as
to be Growth understood was prioritized, and harnessed but not based through on natural empirical life cycles, research, instead driven chopsticks by
Elkington(1997 41 for Food 42 31 ), Raworth (2017
, Medicine 43 , Clothes 32 ), and 44 Hickel
, Paper 45 ,
linear extraction, production, consumption, and waste. Francis Bacon, Weber,
(2020 33 ) advocate for regenerative 34 , circular
while Max Weber analyzed how modern rationalization and Furniture 46 , Houses 47 , Bridges 48 , and Fuel 49 , even Plastic 50 ,
M.Francis Bacon 21 viewed nature as something to be understood and harnessed
models 35 that honor interdependence for
bureaucracy through empirical led to greater research, control while over Max life Weber and society. analyzed how modern etc...everything sustainable modern business humans’need 36 in era 51 of for climate the eco-world 52 .
Businesses rationalization separated and bureaucracy themselves led from to greater the environment,
control over life and society. Bamboo disruption organically 37 . renewable, recyclable and durable 53 ,
viewing Businesses nature separated as a resource themselves rather from than the a environment, partner. Taylor viewing 22 nature said as a Brice Lalonde “Bamboo is green gold, a rural booster
resource
and Ford 23 rather than a partner. Taylor
modeled humans as parts 22 and Ford
of a production
23 modeled humans as parts economies”, of a while scientist Jean-Luc Kouyoumji affirm “we
production process, seeing employees as resources, not as living beings. Efficiency over emotions, success measured by financial profit
process, seeing employees as resources, not as living beings. can make everything with bamboo.”
rather than ecological and social harmony. The consequence of traditional business models 24 , where growth relies on exploiting nature as
Efficiency a resource over to be emotions, dominatedsuccess 25 , is the absence measured of ecological by financial life cycles 26 , contributing to today’s climate crisis 27 .
profit rather than ecological and social harmony. The Bamboo as Creating Shared Value
consequence of traditional business models 24 , where growth
relies …Logic on exploiting nature of as bamboo a resource to be dominated in the 25 , is bamboo Small enterprises business
54 like Le Vanier using traditional skills to
create nature-positive impact products while challenging
It’s not only what a business does, but how it breathes, whom it serves, and what it regenerates.
growth-at-all-costs paradigms.
If Bamboo, the logic the"eco-driver of traditional 38 " business operates according is “I develop, to the logic of ecology, symbiosis, and regeneration: because life is a circle,
regardless of others,” then the logic of bamboo is not a straight line, The so logic Bamboo of Bamboo grows together is reflected to provide in theoretical shelter 39 concepts, , to such
“I develop, thanks to everyone.” Hence, the Logic become of instruments as CKB 40 , Model to serve 55 , as Multi-Level chopsticks 41 Ecosystem for Food 42 , 56 Medicine , and Ecological
43 ,
If the logic of traditional business is "I develop,
Bamboo in the bamboo should embrace Clothes 44 , Paper
Resilience 45 , Furniture 57 , offering 46 , Houses
a 47 Creating
, Bridges
Shared 48 , and Fuel
Value 49 , 58 even
blueprint
regardless of others," then the logic of bamboo is "I Plastic
growth alongside others without competing for
50 , etc...everything modern humans’need
for sustainable business in a climate 51 for the eco-world
challenged 52 .
develop, thanks to everyone." Hence, the Logic of
world 59 .
Bamboo is organically renewable, recyclable and durable
resources, thrive through collaboration, and coevolve
growth stronger alongside after others challenges, without competing all while for sharing
The CKB model embraces resilience through 53 , said Brice
Bamboo in the bamboo business should embrace
a dynamic
Lalonde “Bamboo is green gold, a rural booster economies”, while
scientist Jean-Luc shared Kouyoumji value affirm ecosystem “we can collaboration make everything based with on it.” value
resources, thrive through collaboration, and
with its community and environment, rooted in
capture 60 , value generation 61 , so as to for value sharing and
co-evolve stronger after challenges, all while sharing
harmony, sustainability, and collective prosperity. Bamboo value as Creating shaping 62 . By Shared prioritizing Value
with its community and environment, rooted in
value over volume, it fosters
Small enterpriseseco-friendly 54 like Le Vanier innovation using traditional 63 , regeneration skills to create nature-positive
harmony, sustainability, and collective prosperity.
and collaboration,
bow
impact products while challenging growth-at-all-costs paradigms.
Beating a cotton bow
empowers enterprises using nature-positive materials 64
comforting like a a lute, lute,
The logic of Bamboo like bamboo is reflected to create in theoretical shared concepts, value. Bamboo’s such as CKB natural
deep in in the bamboo. ( 綿 弓 や 琵 琶 になぐさむ 竹 の 奥 // Model 55 , Multi-Level regenerative Ecosystem properties 56 , and Ecological align with Resilience the model’s 57 , offering vision for
watayumi ya biwa ni nagusamu take no oku) - Jokyo,
ya biwa ni nagusamu take no oku) - a Creating Shared thriving Value by 58
embedding blueprint for in sustainable ecosystems business while empowering a
Autumn, 1684, Matsuo Basho
local
Jokyo, Autumn, 1684, Matsuo Basho
climate challenged
communities.
world 59 . The CKB model embraces resilience
through a dynamic shared value ecosystem collaboration based on
value capture 60 , value generation 61 , so as to for value sharing and value shaping 62 . By prioritizing value over volume, it 51
fosters eco-friendly innovation 63 , regeneration and collaboration, empowers enterprises using nature-positive materials 64
like bamboo to create shared value. Bamboo’s natural regenerative properties align with the model’s vision for thriving by
embedding in ecosystems while empowering local communities.

about
BAMBOO
A Model Rooted in Life
In France, that spirit lives on in Le Vanier though humble in
scale, it reflects a kind of wealth that GDP cannot measure:
continuity, dignity, harmony. His customers speak of him
not as a service provider, but as a keeper of rhythm: "Merci
… un lieu magique." Such businesses are not "small." They
are complets!
While the words of BambooVina’s founder from Asia quietly
echo “I just want to produce products of value in need for
society and stay true with this, like bamboo.” From East to
West, there are bamboo cherished groups like humble roots
that grow from into graceful communities, weaving what
will outlast our green legacy for generations yet to breathe.
An Invitation to Return
When one walks through Les Bambous du Mandarin,
time dissolves. The air cools. One begins to sense
that business, too, could become like A shared place,
A resilient dance, An inclusive strength.
The Bamboo is a return, a return to what matters, to
what lasts, to what is both ancient and urgent.
It begins not in factories, but in gardens. Not in
mergers, but in movements. It begins where bamboo
grows quietly, resiliently, together.
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63. McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2002). Cradle to Cradle:
Remaking the Way We Make Things. North Point Press. Introduces
the concept of design for endless reuse, focusing on eco-innovation
that mimics nature’s zero-waste systems.
64. Hargroves, K., & Smith, M. H. (2006). Innovation inspired by
nature biomimicry. Ecos, (129), 27-30.
A caterpillar
this deep in fall
still not a butterfly. -Matsuo Bashō
53

Ebook and Paperback copy available now!
https://bambooarchitectureunboxed.com/
About the authors
Jorg Stamm
Jorg is a Bamboo Master Builder with more than 30 years of experience in bamboo
construction. He has been responsible for some of the most fascinating bamboo
buildings and has worked across the world on large-scale bamboo construction
projects including the Three Mountains building in Bali and some of the largest
bamboo bridges in Colombia.
In the past 30 years, Jorg has shared his knowledge and experience in building with
bamboo through teaching workshops facilitating more than 50 workshops across
the globe. Jorg is sought out to consult on various technical projects, including
development of industrial bamboo processing facilities, machine installations, staff
trainings and product development around the world.
Munir Vahanvati
Munir is an Architect and Urban Designer with a keen interest in sustainability,
hands-on learning and design. He is a Co-founder and Design Director at Melbournebased
design + build studio Giant Grass, World Bamboo Ambassador for the World
Bamboo Organisation and Vice President of the Bamboo Society of Australia.
Bamboo Architecture Unboxed
Published by Giant Grass
www.giantgrass.com
Munir is a respected figure in bamboo architecture, collaborating with architectural
firms and community organisations worldwide. He specialises in facilitating
collaborative community development workshops using bamboo and continues to
blend his expertise in contemporary design with traditional bamboo craftsmanship to
create elegant, sustainable designs.

2026
May 28-30, 2026
Dietrich-Keuning-Haus, Dortmund
European Bamboo Expo 2026 – Be Part of the 4th Edition of Europe’s Leading Bamboo Event!
The European Bamboo Expo returns on May 28–30, 2026, at the Dietrich-Keuning-Haus
in Dortmund. With the City of Dortmund as our presenting sponsor and strong support from
Bamboologic, this fourth edition promises to be truly inspiring—bringing together global bamboo
experts to showcase innovations, share developments, and spark new ideas.
Are you working with bamboo? Whether you want to exhibit, speak, or lead a workshop,
submissions are now open—over 50% of speaker slots are already filled!
To apply, email us at info@europeanbambooexpo.eu
Submission deadline: November 20, 2025.
Join the bamboo revolution in Europe!
www.europeanbambooexpo.eu

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