Request our The Disappearance of Earth’s Rainforests
The demand for hardwood has increased exponentially over the last 40 years – with China’s demand increasing 16 fold over the last 12 years alone. The world’s population is widely expected to continue rising over the next 4 decades, so it’s easy to see why most observers argue that this demand trend is likely to maintain its current trajectory.
Thankfully for our forests, increasing international pressure and legislation aimed at curbing the destruction of our natural forests is finally resulting in restrictions being introduced, both on the type and volume of hardwoods that can be cleared for logging.
Therefore to service the growing demand for wood, it’s easy to see why there is so much interest in sustainable forestry products and why they have significant appeal to both private and institutional investors.
Bamboo as a suitable forestry alternative
Bamboo is technically a grass, and as such grows at a phenomenal rate compared to tropical hardwoods. A sixty-foot hardwood tree cut for market takes 60 years to replace. Meanwhile, a sixty-foot bamboo cut for market takes just 60 days to replace and after that, it regenerates itself annually without replanting.
Bamboo is also a highly efficient processor of carbon dioxide and nitrogen and has a wide root system that helps prevent soil erosion and can help regenerate topsoil damaged by agriculture.
Not only is Bamboo officially recognized as the fastest growing plant on earth, it is also a durable yet lightweight material with a tensile strength comparable to steel. Rich in tone and full of character, it also has an appearance that makes it ideal for flooring, while the speed of growth means its cost is not as high as other alternatives.