Manufacturing laminates from sympodial bamboos—an Indian experience

In recent years bamboo has been rediscovered as an important renewable material with great potential. Industrial bamboo products will also result in alleviating the pressure on forests, as well as creating employment opportunities for rural/tribal poor, particularly women. Considering this, the Government of India has launched an important national initiative for promotion of bamboo products in mission mode. Laminated bamboo boards are closest to wood both in appearance and properties and are generally manufactured from the monopodial bamboo, namely Phyllostachys pubescens. The material is highly suitable for flooring and furniture. Working on a project funded by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, IPIRTI has evolved a process for making bamboo wood (laminates) from a sympodial bamboo found in several states of India, namely Bambusa bambos. Strength properties of bamboo wood are comparable to those of Tectona grandis (teak). A flat-pack table and a wall stand were also designed and fabricated, indicating the suitability of the material for furniture.