Bamboo Industry in India, Bamboo

Bamboo Industry In India, bamboo is considered "the poor man's timber." Over the past 20 years, bamboo has become a significant, sometimes superior substitute for wood. Currently, in some way or another in, the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan reports, approximately 1.5 billion people depend on bamboo products.

In light of the significances of the bamboo industry, this thesis relates relevant research regarding the bamboo industry and asserts that a number of bamboo products, particularly those processed and manufactured for use in constructing houses and household items, primarily qualify as being eco-friendly. From the literature reviewed for this study, the researcher completes a PEST Analysis, as well as a SWOT analysis to investigate factors contributing to the bamboo industry.

Ultimately, the researcher finds that the literature concurs that bamboo products used in construction, despite a number of inherent concerns, may be considered eco-friendly.

TABLE of CONTENTS INTRODUCTION BAMBOO General Scope and Definition Study Area Commercialization of New Materials Bamboo for Use in Housing Production and Transport Product Development Marketing, Trends and Sales Utilization CONCLUSION WORKS CITED LIST of TABLES and FIGURE Figure 1: Bamboo Bicycle Frame Figure 2: Three Views of Bamboo Figure 3: Interior Ceiling of Kitchen 9 Figure 4: Building Scaffolding 13 Figure 5: Pit Piper in Bamboo Grove 20 Figure 6: Giant Panda and Bamboo (Stickman). 21 Table 1: Green Attributes of Bamboo Floors (Attributes that make…).

16 BAMBOO INDUSTRY INTRODUCTION "Bamboo has tremendous potential for economic, environmental development and international trade" (Lobovikov, p. 31). In India, bamboo is considered "the poor man's timber." Over the past 20 years, bamboo has become a significant, sometimes superior substitute for wood. In the book, World bamboo resources: a thematic study prepared in the framework of the Global Forest Resources Assessment, Maxim Lobovikov asserts: "Bamboo may replace wood in many industrial applications and thereby contribute to the saving and restoration of the world's forest (p.

31)." Along with helping meet needs brought about by the increasing world population and efforts to improve living standards that currently contribute to pressure increasing on forest resources, the bamboo industry, according to Sarah Fobes in "Bamboo Industry Could Bolster Developing Nation's Economies," "The global bamboo industry is currently worth around $11 and is projected to reach $15-$20 billion per year in the next decade" (¶ 4). Currently, in some way or another in, the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan reports, approximately 1.5 billion people depend on bamboo products.

In light of the significances of the bamboo industry, this thesis relates relevant research regarding the bamboo industry and asserts that bamboo products processed and manufactured for use in constructing houses and household items primarily qualify as being eco-friendly. Due the distinct perception of bamboo being a renewable and eco-friendly resource material, it depicts one of the increasingly prevalent, natural resources individuals choose to substitute to produce various products. Consumer product demands currently lean toward the organic movement.

Ann Whitman, the National Gardening Association, and Suzanne DeJohn (2009) explain in Organic Gardening for Dummies - for dummies, that the organic movement advocates natural farming methods, while it eschews "the 'chemical' way of doing things, believing that it disrupts the natural ecological order, creating an escalating cycle of dependency on stronger and newer chemicals (p. 27).

"Going Green," which means "to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations," according to Going Green Web Guide (2009), is becoming the universal term that to reference the quality of life style an individual who choosing to live a more environmentally and ecologically responsible lifestyle.

The organic and "Going Green" movements, along with others, define the fuel driving the purchasing power of the consumers; for what they currently perceive as being eco-good. Consequently, marking a product as it eco-friendly qualifies it as the hot item to have or buy. This particular new trend of marketing products as eco-friendly qualifies constitutes such a strong market force that producers are switching gears and restructuring their companies to help ensure they will not fall off short from their upcoming competitors.

Changes in considerations relating to eco-friendly products and services have evolved into to the growing number of buyers questioning the source/s of their goods and services and the type/s of process/es implemented to make or produce the products or services. In the contemporary eco-friendly growing, global environment, many individuals express concern regarding the extent of damage that humans inflict on natural resources and how to counter those negative practices.

Methodology During the first of half of the paper, the researcher focuses on the social, economic, political, and environmental aspects of the industry. Through the examination of the literature, the researcher examines the manufacturing and distribution of one of the particular goods being produced from bamboo to identify and determine if it really is eco-friendly. BAMBOO General Scope and Definition Confirming generalizations regarding specific attributes of the 1500 species of bamboos proves difficult, as does the services to biodiversity that bamboo provide and their description within ecosystems.

"For example, some monopodial bamboo species are the dominant species in their ecosystem; in parts of Southern China, India and South America these bamboo forests can cover thousands of hectares and host species which are indigenous to them" (Bamboo and Rattan…, ¶ 1). Some bamboos differ in their relationship with their surrounding environment and grow as only one of a myriad of species in an ecosystem. Most of the 1200 species of bamboo, the world's largest plant in the grass family, may be found in Asia.

In the book, Riches of the forest: food, spices, crafts and resins of Asia, Citlalli Lopez Binnquist, Citlalli Lopez, and Patricia Shanley note that along with regularly serving as a theme in songs, poems, and paintings, bamboo "with its strength and flexibility, has infinite uses and aesthetically has long been a source of inspiration in Asian literature and the arts" (p. 46). One Chinese poem asserts that bamboo is vital: "It is quite possible not to eat meat, but not to be without bamboo" (Ibid.).

Figure 1 depicts a bicycle frame made from bamboo. Bamboo bicycle frames date back to 1896. Figure 1: Bamboo Bicycle Frame (Stickman) In numerous countries, particularly in the east, particularly products made from bamboo are a natural part of everyday life, from the cradle to the grave (Binnquist, Lopez, and Shanley). In the Web article, "Bamboo: The Miracle Crop From the Past and a Hope for the Future," the writer, Stickman, points out that in addition to bicycle frames, skateboards may also be manufactured from bamboo.

Current skateboard construction involves gluing layers of resilient hardwood with toxic epoxies for strength. When these skateboards are no longer used, they release toxic materials of epoxies, varnish and shellacs into the environment when discarded. A bamboo skateboard, on the other hand would be compostable. It would not pollute the environment with toxic materials.

"In China and Japan can Bamboo knives are used to cut the umbilical cord at birth and was deceased, the body of a dead person rests upon a tray made from bamboo" (Binnquist, Lopez, and Shanley, p. 46).

Cultures in Southeast Asian countries, such as China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam may be referred to as "bamboo civilization" or "bamboo culture." Bamboo has been historically used and continues to be used for a myriad of products, which include, but are not limited to: military armor; in paddy fields dam water; housing and parts; including kitchen utensils, and complete houses; animal shelters; baskets; bird cages; ladders; tobacco pipes; picture frames; woven mats. Bamboo reportedly even has a vital role as a fuel.

Due to its increasing economic potential, many entrepreneurs and others in the bamboo industry consider bamboo "green gold." Each year, China reportedly sells several billions of dollars worth of bamboo products to the U.S. "In Vietnam,… in addition to its everyday, local applications, bamboo issues to make handicrafts for export to Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Europe and the United States of America." Edible bamboo shoots are also collected and sold to middlemen…" (Binnquist, Lopez, and Shanley, p. 47).

Non-edible, fibrous parts of the bamboo are manufactured into low quality paper, exported to Taiwan as "fake money," burned during religious prayers. China, reportedly the world's richest bamboo producing company grows more than 500 bamboos species; with 4.2 million hectares of bamboo plantations and natural stands. Historically, only specialized artisans manufactured bamboo products. During the past 25 years, however the Chinese opened the bamboo industry to all sectors of society.

One of China's largest bamboo growing and processing regions located in Anji, in the south of China, has experienced phenomenal growth during recent years; expanding Between expanded approximately 35% each year between 1980 and 1998. In this region, the bamboo culms and shoots serves as the primary source of income for farmers and others employed in the bamboo industry. In 1998, 18,900 individuals worked in the bamboo industry in Anji, contributing to a $107 million U.S. production value. Exports account for approximately half this amount (Binnquist, Lopez, and Shanley). Figure 2 portrays three views of bamboo.

One: A bamboo forrest; Two: A bamboos shoot; Three: A bamboo grove walkway. Figure 2: Three Views of Bamboo (adapted from Stickman). As bamboo production levels have risen, the amounts of raw materials needed to facilitate the production have simultaneously increased. The bamboo industry in Anji predominantly harvests bamboo from plantations, as it primarily grows a fast growing and easily cultivated, bamboo species, locally known as "maozhu" or "moso bamboo" (phyllostachys heterocycla) (Binnquist, Lopez, and Shanley).

Currently in Anji, the cultivation of moso bamboo encompasses 60% of the forest area, with the percentage rising as plantations expand. Along with the hefty production of bamboo, the intense cultivation bamboo industry uses mammoth amounts of fertilizers and pesticides; which contributes to negative environmental effects. In reference to the bamboo production in Anji being eco-friendly: The use of chemicals and mono-cultures, along with moso bamboo's tendency to rapidly and vigorously spread out, is stripping natural forest areas and local biodiversity.

On the other hand, bamboo plantations can also have some positive ecological effects, for example when established on eroded or degraded lands, and they can contribute to soil and water conservation. Today, an increasing level of attention is being paid to addressing the environmental damage associated with bamboo plantations and also, to conserving biodiversity. (Binnquist, Lopez, and Shanley, p. 48).

The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), an international organization established by treaty in November 1997, purports that it aims to improve the economic, social, and environmental benefits of bamboo and rattan. According to the article, "Environmental Sustainability," published on the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan website, bamboo can provide numerous services in local ecosystems and to the global environment. Significant ecological services bamboo provides include "rehabilitation of degraded land and slowing soil erosion" (Environmental Sustainability, ¶ 1). The following reflects goals INBAR includes in its Environmental Sustainability Programme: 1.

Demonstrating and documenting the benefits bamboo and rattan provide for environmental conservation, as well as how these "products" may contribute to implementing agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). INBAR aims "to have at least three demonstration projects under way in the three regions by 2011 in which best practices for soil, water and biodiversity conservation, rehabilitation of degraded lands and carbon sequestration…"(Environmental Sustainability, ¶ 2).

INBAR plans to document the efforts it demonstrates. 2. Identifying endangered bamboo and rattan species; developing management methods and conservation demonstration sites; promoting the combination of conservation principles and practices into field projects and stimulating action research on bamboo and rattan habitats of endangered animals (Environmental Sustainability). 3. Demonstrating the role of bamboo and rattan in plantations and sustainably managed forests in providing economically viable environmental services. Developing resource inventory methods and technical manuals.

In combination with income generation for local people, particularly the poor, INBAR also develops criteria and indicators for sustainable resource management. To accomplish this, INBAR plans to provide relevant training and capacity building (Environmental Sustainability). Commercialization of New Materials In the Web article, Bamboo Engineered Housing, Ujjwal Raj Pokhrel reports that each year, Nepal produces 3.01 million culms of bamboo, with production from 62,891 hectors of land. Nepal has approximately "23 genera (24% of the world) and 81 species of bamboo (5.2% of the world) found in 73 of the 75 districts of Nepal" (Pokhrel, Background section, ¶ 1).

From the total annual production of bamboo culms in Nepal: [Approximately] 600,000 -- 700,000 culms of bamboo are traded over the commercial domestic market in a year. Out of the remaining 2.4 millions culms, 1.9 millions culms are consumed locally and rest (0.5 million culms) are traded to India. An estimated 102 metric tons of bamboo shoots are also produced and sold in Nepal annually, all of which are consumed locally.

(Pokhrel, Background section, ¶ 1) Pokhrel asserts that bamboo, one of the most environmental friendly construction materials, constitutes one of the fastest growing plants in the world, with a growth rate that varies from 30 cm to 100 cm per day. After 60-90 days following shoot sprouting, bamboo reaches its maximum size. It may be commercially harvested after growing three to six years. Bamboo readily multiplies and grows easily in soil, not typically suitable for a number of agricultural crops.

Bamboo, Pokhrel stresses, possesses significant potential to immensely contribute to the human and natural ecosystem, as well as to environmental sustainability. Bamboo also contributes to economic benefits Nepal, as well as numerous other Eastern regions, experience. Figure 3 shows the interior of a kitchen, 8 meters high, 10 meters wide and 15 meters long, constructed with bamboo. Pokhrel stresses that one may use bamboo to construct anything cement and concrete can in a beautiful, economical and ecological way. Figure 3: Interior Ceiling of Kitchen (Pokhrel).

Nepal Housing Industry In developing countries, approximately one billion rural dwellers and more than 600 million urban residents live in overcrowded housing, the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) estimates. The United Nations Population Division projects that the world population will potentially reach 8.9 billion by 2050, with noticeably higher growth rates anticipated in the developing countries. Current, along with future concerns, include not only the fact that a massive number of people live in inadequate housing conditions, but also the millions of individuals who are homeless people around the world (Pokhrel).

Habitat for Humanity International reports that the majority of Nepalese, who live in villages, depend on agriculture for survival. Challenges to survival that simultaneously threaten homes include floods, landslides and earthquakes. Pokhrel reports that poverty, fed by the lack of employment has forced one in 10 of the rural population to migrate to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and other municipalities. Research Manohar Rajbhandhar conducted confirmed the demand for houses each year in Nepal, 34,980 contributes to Nepal having the highest urbanization rate among the SAARC countries - 3.79%.

Migration in Nepal has contributed to the shortage of adequate housing in towns and cities. One Nepal government study recently found that the need exists for more than 200,000 additional houses in Kathmandu Valley only. Due to current demand/need, housing constitutes a booming industry in Nepal. As Nepal depends heavily on importing construction materials such as cement, iron/steels etc. from India, however, costs for these construction materials, as well as for timber have dramatically increased (Pokhrel).

Bamboo for Use in Housing Bamboo possesses enormous potential to solve the scarcity of sustainable building materials for high-end and affordable buildings in response to demands for affordable housing in Nepal and other parts of the world. Contemporary building materials, primarily wood, concrete and steel do not reportedly sustainable materials as they link to high-embodied energy. In addition, bamboo, which matures in three years, are not utilized within 10 years, lose their utility. Consequently, bamboo possesses the potential to replace some of the more expensive construction materials.

In addition to bamboo being used to build affordable, culturally sensitive and earthquake resistant small family homes, a number of companies in Europe, South-America and Asia have demonstrated that bamboo may be utilized to construct bridges, airports, and even luxury condominiums (Pokhrel). In the article, "Bamboo in Hawaii," Carol Bain purports a positive factor for using bamboo in construction is that bamboo's tensile strength equals 28,000 per square inch versus 23,000 for steel.

Even though covered bamboo may only last 10-15 years, a negative factor for construction, the application of a thin coating of mortar keeps insects away and moisture out of bamboo. The use of chemicals to preserve and protect bamboo generally proves more effective than the non-chemical methods, although this proves more expensive and more complicated to apply. "Traditional, non-toxic treatment methods include water leaching, ponding, boiling, smoking and clump-curing.

Costa Rica and Bali successfully use a sap-displacement method called Boucherie, where a boron-type preservative is pressured into the culms" (Bain, ¶ 28). In Nepal, approximately 70-80% of bamboo sales, traded from the depots, most located in the cities of Nepal, are utilized in construction as scaffolding. The majority of the handicraft and other enterprises buy bamboo products directly from the traders. Each year, on average with costs ranging about NRs. 30 -- 35 million (U.S. $42,000 -- 49,000), Pokhrel (2009) reports, approximately 0.3 -- 0.35 million culms of bamboo may be utilized in construction.

Bamboo mixed with wood and other materials like adobe, stone has been use in constructing many houses in Nepal to build houses as high as four stories. Some informal sources estimate that around 35% of the houses constructed in eastern part of Nepal especially in Siraha, Suptari, Sunsari, Morang and Jhapa Districts some twenty to thirty years before were made out the bamboo, wood and mud….

According to a Nepali bamboo research institute Abari, with a little bit of enhancements almost all the components of a house (like walls, floors, roof, doors, windows, and stairs) can be built with bamboo Use of bamboo in house construction is a sustainable means as bamboo helps to prevent deforestation. The experience from the INBAR/TNC bamboo housing project revealed that a 30 square meter bamboo house would save about 10 cubic meter of timber.

In more general terms: building one small two-room house with bamboo rather than wood could already save at least one big mature tree. A research conducted in Costa Rica revealed that only 70 hectares of bamboo plantation are sufficient to build 1,000 bamboo houses per year. If these houses were built with timber, 500 hectares of natural forests would be destroyed every year. (Pokhrel, 2009, Bamboo and its use… section, ¶ 3-4; Major advantages section, ¶3) Figure 4 portrays scaffolding made from bamboo. Figure 4: Building Scaffolding (Pokhrel, 2009).

Use of raw bamboo in construction is typically simple as one does not need capital investments or have to use high tech machineries. Bamboo is a non-dimensional material, however, so using it in housing may prove challenging as bamboo is usually uniform in age, shape or size. Extreme weather and environments, particularly cold, dry climates negatively impact bamboo. When bamboos are not treated well, they may also be extremely vulnerable to fungus and termite attacks.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has not yet approved any international codes for the bamboo building (Pokhrel, 2009). Despite numerous noted disadvantages for using bamboo in construction, the concept simultaneously depict a potential eco-friendly opportunity. Pokhrel (2009) asserts that converting or processing bamboo into engineered panels may resolve currently cited problems, naturally be mitigating concerns, once the bamboo is processed. Like the timber in housing, the bamboo panel could be fabricated according to the standard requirement for the housing; solving the building code concern.

In addition, the panels could processed into standard size that to fit from small to large structures. Advantages of Bamboo Prefabricated Housing Currently, use of bamboo in Nepal for commercial purposes other than scaffolding remains untapped/nominal, as it is not utilized to its full potential. Although bamboo is extensively available and used in Nepal, it only contributes 1% to the national GDP. To counter the current almost non-existent market for the panel based (engineered) bamboo housing in Nepal, people will have to begin to accept claims regarding its benefits.

In some areas, thousands of farmers growing and selling bamboo have been to effectively do so for their livelihoods. In Nepal, however, farmers have not been able to sell bamboo in the commercial market for a reasonable price. Developing the use of bamboo in construction would help establish a viably supply chain with the existing or potential bamboo housing industries. In turn, this would create a sufficient demand for available raw bamboo. Prefabricated houses constructed from bamboo would offer the following primary benefits: 1.

[They] are relatively affordable compared to bricks or stone made concrete houses (Current market price of NRs.750/sq ft of bamboo prefabricated house compared to NRs. 1700/sq ft of concrete house). 2. They are easy to construct, easily detachable and transferable from one place to another and they have good insulation characteristics. 3.

These houses are environment friendly and have better earthquakes resistance (the lab test conducted in India supported by DFID has shown that bamboo house can easily stand 7-rector scale of earthquake).(Pokhrel, Advantages of Bamboo section, ¶ 2) A number of individuals, including some in Nepal perceive bamboo as a poor men's timber. Some of these individuals consider living in a bamboo house to have a social stigma and would consider using bamboo in construction as only a temporary solution.

This "poor" image of bamboo significantly retards the potential market of/for bamboo housing. Using bamboo for high-end structures with improved engineering designs will hopefully raise bamboo's image and increase the use of bamboo in constructing affordable housing (Pokhrel). Production and Transport Compared to the processing and production of other building materials, bamboo consumes less energy. Processing and producing bamboo products to be used in construction requires: "only 30 MJ/m3 per N/mm2 compared to concrete, steel and timber, that require 240, 500 and 80 MJ/m3 per n/mm2 respectively.

& #8230;Processing of bamboo requires only 1/8 of the energy that concrete needs to create a building material of the same capacity" (Pokhrel, Advantages of Bamboo section, ¶ 3). Bamboo requires only 1/50 the amount of energy for processing that steel needs. As all of the plant's parts may be efficiently utilized -- bamboo has a zero waste rate. Even bamboo dust may be utilized to make insulation brick and particleboard. Table 1 relates a number of attributes that contribute to making bamboo floors "green." Table 1: Green Attributes of Bamboo Floors (Attributes that make…).

Renewable Rapidly Renewable One of bamboo's greatest benefits is the rate at which it renews itself. The three-to-five-year harvest cycle makes bamboo a rapidly renewable material, which is generally defined as having a harvest rotation of 10 years or less. In contrast, most hardwood species used for flooring reach saleable size in 50 to 100 years. & #8230;regenerates without need for replanting and requires minimal fertilization or pesticides.

Recycled Content Recycled Content Product To be considered a recycled content material, the product should contain a certain amount of either post consumer or post-industrial waste material. This is generally presented as a percentage of the total weight. The LEED Rating System has used 20% post consumer and 40% post-industrial as minimum requirements for a product to be considered recycled content Recycability Some manufacturers also offer an engineered floor that utilizes a thin bamboo layer laminated over a non-bamboo material. One manufacturer now offers tongue-and-groove flooring made from bamboo-oriented strand board (OSB).

This product is made using the post-industrial waste bamboo from floor manufacturing. Toxicity Bamboo growing requires minimal fertilization or pesticides. According to the U.S. EPA, Americans spend nearly 90% of their time indoors. Therefore, evaluating how products impact IEQ is necessary. These impacts may include emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and/or formaldehyde. Several factors should be considered when looking at the indoor environmental quality impacts of a material.

For example, these may include ventilation rates of the space applied, decay rates for volatile components, and the overall emissions from other components. Volatile Organic Compounds - at this time, little data is available relative to the emissions of VOC from bamboo flooring material. Formaldehyde - Some bamboo flooring products are manufactured using formaldehyde-based adhesives, and formaldehyde emissions vary from brand to brand. Some brands claim the use of formaldehyde-free glues and finishes. Some manufacturers reported formaldehyde emissions at various ranges, from 16 ug/m3 to 330 ug/m3.

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has listed formaldehyde as a "chemical of special concern." The agency has published the reference exposure levels (RE L) for toxicity for both Chronic Http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Publications/%20GreenBuilding/43303017.pdf Durable materials require less frequent replacement, generate less waste, and may also realize lower long-term costs. According to manufacturers, bamboo flooring should last a lifetime (30 to 50 years). The onetime costs of installing bamboo flooring should be less than the costs for multiple installations of less durable flooring options.

Therefore, over the long-term, the consumer should save money. Replacing the flooring generates waste, so reducing the rate of replacement also reduces waste generation. Without a single standard measurement for durability, the only comparable data available at this time are the results from standard Janka-Ball Hardness tests (ASTM D1037). Bamboo flooring ranges "from slightly lower than red oak (1290 PSI) to significantly harder- 1130 PSI to 1640 PSl," making it a relatively hard material.

Since most bamboo flooring can be refinished, it should have a longer life than less durable flooring options such as carpet and some resilient flooring. The following list is from the Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guide of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Based on information provided by manufacturers and trade associations; it shows the life expectancy of several common flooring components used in residential applications: Oak or pine: lifetime. Slate flagstone: lifetime. Vinyl (sheet or tile) 20-30 years. Terrazzo: lifetime. Carpeting: 11 years. Marble: lifetime.

Since bamboo has a relative hardness comparable to oak, a very hard, durable wood, and exhibits similar properties to other wood floors, it is assumed to have a life expectancy comparable to wood flooring. Installation Bamboo flooring can be used in most residential and commercial applications where carpet, wood, tile, or resilient flooring is used. Some applications may be inappropriate a-high moisture area, for example-so consumers should confirm with the supplier to make sure the application is appropriate. Depending upon the product, installation may be glue-down or nail down.

In engineered products, bamboo may be floated, and it can be used with concrete or wood sub-floors. Maintenance Manufacturers report that bamboo floors are maintained in the same manner as wood floors and can be refinished. Social Responsibility Life-cycle analysis often includes examining environmental justice issues. Since most bamboo for flooring originates in the Asian Pacific Rim, the question of fair labor practices is a legitimate concern in the production and manufacture. To date, these practices have not been well documented.

As a result, local product distributors may not have much direct control or be willing to say much about this issue. Manufacturer Processes Bamboo is harvested, sliced into strips, boiled in water with a preservative, and pressed flat. It is then laminated vertically or in three horizontal layers, and kiln-dried. Floors manufactured using the horizontal orientation may be prone to cupping, but this problem is eliminated when the center layer is oriented perpendicular to the top and bottom layers.

Some manufacturers also offer an engineered floor that utilizes a thin bamboo layer laminated over a non-bamboo material. One manufacturer now offers tongue-and-groove flooring made from bamboo-oriented strand board (OSB). This product is made using the post-industrial waste bamboo from floor manufacturing Distribution Methods Transportation Issues Nearly all bamboo for flooring is grown and manufactured in the Pacific Rim, generally in China or Vietnam.

Therefore, any life-cycle analysis of these products should take into account both energy consumption and air emissions resulting from the transportation requirements of bringing the bamboo to market. Some green building rating systems or guidelines give preference to the use of materials that either originate or are manufactured locally, which is often defined as within a 500-mile radius from the project.

Product Development In the Web article, "Treatment Process," Nripal Adhikary purports that products from bamboo, traditionally used either for food, fodder, construction material, medicinal and domestic utilitarian uses, include a myriad of household items. Farmers and artisans in Nepal who manufacture these items sell them in local markets. Due to the poor infrastructure, disappearing knowledge and poor craftsmanship, albeit, these particular products, despite prominence in the production and lifestyle, the bamboo-based economy in Nepal only contributes approximately 1-2% to the national GDP.

Reasons the quality of bamboo craftsmanship in this area is generally poor include: 1. Bamboo used for construction is not mature enough, 2. bamboo is not treated, improper handling, lack of connection materials and skills, 3. inadequate tools, lack of finishing materials and 4. lack of exposure to the different bamboo designs. (Adhikary, Background section, ¶ 1). Adhikary set out to find a simple and effective way for farmers and artisans in Nepal who manufacture bamboo items to treat bamboo.

As a result, Adhikary determined the Modified Boucherie Technique showed promise as a solution, as it may be constructed economically. Adhikary asserts the following advantages for using this method: a) "Traditional treatment preservative can be used with this technique: for example neem and cow urine. b) it can be operated with a simple instruction by almost anyone. c) Since this can be taken to rural areas, it can provide employment to the locals. d) it is a fast and effective process" (Advantages Using Boucherie section, ¶ 1).

Limitations for the Boucherie technique include that it may only be used for freshly cut bamboo and only cost effective when one treats more than 25 bamboos. In addition, as boron compound, used to treat the bamboo may not be readily available in some areas, the alternative like neem and cow urine needs to be investigated. Research Institute, Dehradun, India, asserts that bamboo significantly affects the livelihood of millions of people globally.

In the journal publication, "Direct regeneration of shoots from immature inflorescences in Dendrocalamus asper (edible bamboo) leading to mass propagation," Arya, Satsangi and Arya explain the following "threat" to bamboo: Dendrocalamus asper is a sympodial tropical bamboo growing in large, dense clumps of a single genotype, and it is known for its edible tender shoots, which are also used for building material. It is commonly called "sweet bamboo" and is one of the best tropical bamboos inAsia in terms of its shoot quality.

It grows up to 20-30m tall and individual stems are 8-20 cm in diameter. The species is heavily exploited as a food source and currently demand outstrips supply.