Potential of Bamboo in Sustainable Development

Bamboo is a naturally occurring composite material which grows abundantly in most of the part of the world. It is treated as a composite material because it has cellulose fibers imbedded in a lignin matrix. As a cheap and fast-grown resource, with superior physical and mechanical properties, bamboo offers great potential as an alternative to wood. Bamboo can widely substitute not only wood, but also the plastics & other materials in structural and product applications through improvements in processing technologies, product innovation with the application of scientific and engineering skills. Bamboo based industry has vast potential for generating income and employment, especially in the rural areas. A number of agencies are already working towards promoting the usage of bamboo into value-added products. The paper brings out technology overview of the products and associated business opportunities with a focus on sustainable development. Applications have been outlined, briefing the chemical and mechanical characteristics of different species of bamboo. A number of government initiatives have been highlighted with their contribution in bamboo promotion and hence the sustainable development.