Bamboo: wood, plant, grass?

From a botanical point of view, bamboo belongs to the grasses and is therefore not a tree. Bamboo is a collective name for a group of botanical species. Although the complete taxonomy is still evolving, current estimations are that around 1600 different varieties exist. There are considerable differences in size, color, mechanical properties and climatic preferences. The Moso bamboo species is native to China and other Asian countries and grows up to 65 foot long, with a diameter of 4-5 inch.

Suitable for reforestation

Moso bamboo plants have an underground root system called rhizomes from which the stems grow. One single rhizome connects multiple stems. The underground system helps to hold soil and restore water tables, making bamboo very suitable for reforestation on poor grounds. In general, 20-25% of the poles can be sustainably harvested annually without decreasing the size of the plantation or the number of poles per hectare in the forest. The rhizome does not die after harvesting. On the contrary, by harvesting the mature poles, the yield and quality of the plantation actually increases.

Bamboo holds Guinness World Record for Fastest Growing Plant

See the Guinness World Record award here

Different types of bamboo products

The raw material bamboo can be given a variety of different looks and benefits through different processing methods. In this way, the application possibilities are extremely varied.

Read about how MOSO® Bamboo products are made

Benefits of bamboo as a building material

Bamboo products are hard, stable and extremely versatile in their application. In addition to this natural beauty, they convince with durability and sustainability benefits. These advantages are backed up by a warranty of up to 30 years. The properties of bamboo are equivalent or even superior to those of most hardwood species and other building materials.

More about MOSO® Bamboo benefits
La terrasse Bamboo N-durance est installée dans la Tour Higher Roch à Montpellier en France.

Bamboo as the sustainable choice

The giant bamboo of the Moso species, is the base material for all MOSO® Bamboo Products. The fast growing plant is an endless resource as it’s harvested without clear cutting. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and convert it into glucose (building block for biomass) and oxygen. The CO2 is stored in the material for the lifetime of the product, and even longer if the product is recycled into new, durable products.

Read more about MOSO® sustainability

MOSO® Bamboo product certifications

The sustainability, safety and quality of MOSO® Bamboo Products are independently proven by the most respected ecolabels and certification programs on the market. MOSO® takes the lead in defining standards and testing protocols for the relatively new construction material. No other bamboo supplier offers a wide range of products backed up with certification. Get in touch with our experts to find out more!

Interested?

Feel free to get in touch with our MOSO® Bamboo experts if you have any questions regarding the technical properties and capabilities of MOSO® Bamboo products.

Dr. ir. Pablo van der Lugt
MOSO® Bamboo Ambassador

Contact us
Pablo van der Lugt Sustainability Manager MOSO
Go to top