Characterization of the structural engineered bamboo industry based on manufacturer web-prospecting

This study provides the first globally comparable characterization of the structural engineered bamboo (SEB) industry through systematic web-prospecting of corporate websites and bibliometric verification. A total of 635 websites were screened, resulting in 19 verifiable manufacturers analyzed across variables including geographic distribution, technological capacity, service portfolios, and standardization. Results reveal a strong geographical concentration in China (68% of companies), alongside emerging clusters in the United States, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore. Transparency deficits were widespread: only 37% report mechanical properties, 26% list ISO 14001 certification and few manufacturers disclose testing standards, hindering technical validation and regulatory uptake. Although some firms demonstrate industrial maturity, via automated lines and integrated services, most lack information on production processes, quality assurance, and normative compliance. These findings underscore two strategic limitations: the confinement of SEB to experimental applications due to insufficient technical data, and limited downstream services that weaken market competitiveness. The study also identifies critical data gaps, such as inconsistent units of output and minimal life-cycle disclosure. As a key contribution, this article delivers an empirical industry baseline and proposes priorities for standardization, certification, and information disclosure. Enhancing data governance is essential for positioning SEB as a reliable material in the global low-carbon construction agenda.