The roots of change
We wanted a totally new panel. We found what we were looking for in a material that has been around forever: bamboo. We designed a system to process it and make it available on an unprecedented, global scale.
Bamboo is a resource with an incredible amount to offer on two complementary fronts. Firstly, it brings huge environmental benefits by helping to regenerate soil, stabilize slopes and preserve whole ecosystems. Secondly, its technical and mechanical properties make it a reliable, durable raw material for industrial purposes.
Environmental benefits
The balance between use and protection has a positive impact both environmentally, by preserving ecosystems, and socially, by providing dignified, sustainable employment for growers.
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Fighting climate change
Bamboo in a forest absorbs 2-5 times more CO₂ and produces 2-5 times more oxygen than trees in a forest of the same size.
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Clean cultivation
With naturally hardy bamboo, there is no need for pesticides, herbicides or heavy, dieselpowered agricultural machinery, so it has a lower environmental impact.
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Ecosystem conservation
Bamboo will colonize even poor or degraded soil, enhancing its quality and increasing its nutrient content.
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Natural regeneration
When the culms are cut, bamboo quickly grows back, with no need for replanting.
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Fast growth
Bamboo reaches maturity in 3-5 years, whereas trees take 10-20 years.
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High yields
One hectare of bamboo produces as much as four times as much material as trees would on a site of the same size. In other words, it can produce the same amount in a quarter of the area.
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Soil stability
Bamboo’s rhizomes anchor the soil, prevent erosion and keep hills stable and fertile, striking a balance between use and regeneration.
Physical, mechanical and technological performance
The environmental benefits go hand in hand with the physical, mechanical and technological properties of a material that is light yet strong, stable and durable.
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Reaction to fire
Without chemical additives, bamboo offers a first-rate response to fire and slows the spread of flames.
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Strength
Bamboo is known as “green steel” because it can withstand high loads and stress for a long time, with an astonishing strength-to-weight ratio.
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Water resistance
Bamboo is naturally moistureresistant and repels water, for guaranteed stability, durability and hygiene even in extreme conditions.
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Dimensional stability
Bamboo is very stable and keeps its shape and size despite changes in temperature and moisture level.
