An economic analysis of bamboo plantations and feedstock delivered cost in the Southern US for the manufacturing of fiber-based bioproducts

Abstract

Bamboo, recognized for its rapid growth, high yield, and fiber performance is prominent in the fiber-based bioproduct industry. However, the absence of US industrial bamboo plantations for fiber production necessitates reliance on imports or locally manufactured products using imported bamboo fibers, predominantly from China. This study evaluates the economic viability of cultivating bamboo in the Southern US for fiber production, with a case study on hygiene tissue products. The supply-chain analysis was assessed to calculate bamboo chips' minimum selling price (MSP) at the farm gate for an 8% internal rate of return (IRR). The MSP, influenced primarily by land rental costs, ranges from USD 48 to 55 per bone-dry metric ton (BDt). Despite an initial establishment cost of ~USD 2 000 ha⁻¹ and profitability by year 5, bamboo is a viable, long-term fiber alternative. Successful bamboo cultivation in the US could lead to a more sustainable implementation of alternative non-wood fibers for hygiene tissue applications.