Read our The Disappearance of Earth’s Rainforests
The demand for timber has increased exponentially over the last 40 years – with China’s demand increasing 15 fold over the last decade alone. The world’s population will continue rising over the coming years, so it’s easy to see why most observers agree that the demand for timber is not likely to start falling at any time soon.
Clearly, the rate of deforestation cannot continue at its current rate, but 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 timber products and why they have significant appeal to both private and institutional investors.
Bamboo as a suitable timber alternative
Bamboo is technically a grass, and as such grows at a phenomenal rate compared to most types of hardwoods used as commercial timber. A sixty-foot hardwood tree cut for market takes 60 years to replace, while a sixty-foot bamboo cut for market takes just 60 days to return.
Bamboo is 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. It also regenerates itself annually without replanting.
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.