Skip to content
Home » Blog » Bamboo International Transforming Scaffolding Waste Into New Versatile Boards

Bamboo International Transforming Scaffolding Waste Into New Versatile Boards

Tune into the #ThinkBamboo Podcast, Ep.36, as JJ sits down with of Alex, Bamboo International managing director, highlights the company’s vision for a financially sustainable bamboo industry, emphasizing collaboration and circular production methods. He discusses challenges and innovations in upcycling bamboo waste, including fire-resistant boards and structural engineered bamboo beams. Alex envisions bamboo as a key construction material and aims to scale up production while expanding its applications. After participating in last year’s European Bamboo Expo, Bamboo International will return with a booth at this year’s event in Germany.

Video Podcast Interview

Video: ThinkBamboo Podcast with JJ and Alex Chui from Bamboo International in Hong Kong

Video Quick Links

00:01 Introduction to Bamboo International Group
03:03 The Bamboo Carbon Cycle
05:30 Upcycling Bamboo Waste
09:23 Starting a Bamboo Business
21:24 Target Markets for Bamboo Products
23:00 Structural Engineered Bamboo Beams
23:32 Size Limitations and Shipping Container Considerations
25:54 The Process of Creating Structural Engineered Bamboo Beams
35:54 Addressing the Issue of Mold in Bamboo
37:31 Future Plans: Expanding Bamboo Structures and Developing New Products
40:50 Booth at the European Bamboo Expo in Germany

The ThinkBamboo Podcast serves as a platform to inspire, educate, and share the use of bamboo with an ever-growing audience. The ThinkBamboo Podcasts are available on the Website, YouTube, SpotifyTikTokApple Podcast if you like the content please do support by liking, commenting and subscribing.


Discover the Sustainable Vision of Bamboo International Group with Alex

Alex, the managing director of Bamboo International (BIL), discusses his journey into the bamboo industry and the vision of his company. He emphasizes the importance of making bamboo a financially sustainable business model and promoting collaboration among experts in the field. Alex explains the circular loop of bamboo production and carbon absorption, highlighting the benefits of timely harvest and upcycling of bamboo products. He also discusses the joint ventures his company has established, focusing on industrial production and bamboo research. Alex envisions bamboo as a viable alternative for building structures and emphasizes the need for bio-based integration to enhance its mechanical properties.

Bamboo International Group Journey

Embark on a journey through the inception of Bamboo International Group. Alex’s passion for bamboo led him to establish BIL, with a focus on promoting collaboration and circular production methods. Learn about the company’s commitment to financial sustainability and its innovative approach to bamboo production.

Bamboo Carbon Cycle

Explore the intricate circular loop of bamboo production and carbon absorption. Alex emphasizes the importance of timely harvest and upcycling of bamboo products, highlighting the environmental benefits of this circular approach. Discover how BIL is contributing to a greener future by integrating bio-based solutions into bamboo production.

Upcycling Scaffolding Waste into New Boards

Dive into the world of bamboo upcycling and innovation. Alex discusses the challenges and innovations in upcycling bamboo waste, including the development of fire-resistant boards and structural engineered bamboo (SEB) beams. Experience the excitement of turning bamboo waste into valuable resources and learn about BIL’s plans to scale up production and expand applications.
Did you know that over 5 million Moso bamboo scaffolding beams, each measuring approximately 3 to 5 meters, are discarded into local waste dumps? However, instead of contributing to waste, this abundant material can be locally repurposed into versatile bamboo boards, offering a sustainable solution to maximize its potential.

Structural Engineered Bamboo (SEB) beams can be up to 15 meters in length, but are typically limited to 12 meters due to shipping container size limitations.

Quote: Alex, Founder of Bamboo International, Hong Kong

In this conversation, Alex discusses the production and use of structural engineered bamboo beams. He explains that these beams can be up to 15 meters in length and are typically used in construction projects. However, due to the size limitations of shipping containers, the beams are usually limited to 12 meters in length. Alex also discusses the process of creating the beams, which involves gluing bamboo slices together under pressure.

European Bamboo Expo 2024 Booth

Get ready for an exciting event as BIL gears up to showcase its groundbreaking work at the European Bamboo Expo 2024 in Germany. Discover the latest advancements in bamboo products and technologies, and join us as we explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

european bamboo expo

Get ready for the dynamic second annual European Bamboo Expo 2024 in Dortmund, Germany, from May 16 to 18! This year, the spotlight is on bamboo’s pivotal role in the circular economy, especially in construction and food industries. With over 60 international speakers and exhibitors, the Expo promises to unveil bamboo’s incredible versatility in architecture, textiles, agriculture, and commercial product design, attracting hundreds of eager trade visitors.