Landguard Point supplies timber and pioneering eco-friendly alternatives to the UK construction industry, that point the way to a greener future – this now includes its Rebo Bamboo Division.
Timber and forests played an important part in the summit’s discussions, with deforestation playing a significant part in mitigation plans against global warming. Timber offers a natural sink for carbon emissions whilst also emitting oxygen to the atmosphere. This means sustainable practice is of inherent importance globally. Fortunately, in Europe we are already conscious of this, and have the practices and commissions in place to ensure we operate in a sustainable manner.
FSC and PEFC are organisations in place managing the chain of custody of timber products globally, meaning there are traceable chains from the beginning to end, meaning these practices can be monitored and maintained effectively. However, as an industry this does not mean innovation and exploration for change should be disregarded.
Landguard Point, a leading UK timber importing company are pioneering the introduction of bamboo products as an alternative to traditional timbers imported to the UK. They have partnered with Rebo Bamboo, a company based in China who through their innovation, have developed methods allowing bamboo to become a genuine alternative to many timber products on the market.
They have developed carbonisation procedures, which involves heating up the natural product. This process enhances natural characteristics, whilst also introducing elements such as hardness and durability, anti-flammable properties and corrosive resistance. Not only do these highly important and desirable benefits emerge from the process, but also the ability to produce an elegant and attractive product. Meaning it can play an important role in both commercial and domestic design in many ways.
However, it is bamboo in its natural form which is of interest in the fight against climate change. Bamboo has one big difference to timber products. Where timber products are derived from tree species, bamboo is of the grass family. Grasses offer much faster growing rates, with some species potentially growing up to a metre daily. This not only means that it is highly regenerative, but also offers huge potential as a carbon sink. One study estimates that a one-hectare plantation of bamboo and its products could store over 306 tonnes of carbon over a 60-year period compared with 178 tonnes for softwood tree species. A 42% difference in absorption rates.
By using bamboo we can help in the fight against climate change. As well as absorbing and storing carbon, bamboo products can ‘avoid’ the carbon produced by more emissions-intensive materials. Research conducted on European industrial bamboo products, such as cladding, flooring and beams, has shown that they have a low or even negative eco-cost, over the course of their lifecycle, outperforming even FSC-certified hardwoods, and can be used as replacements for steel and concrete.
This durability is critical to realising bamboo’s carbon storage potential, according to researcher Pablo van der Lugt, saying: “As the interest in a bio-based, low-carbon economy grows, we are seeing new opportunities open up for engineered bamboo products to substitute high-carbon, abiotic alternatives – and not just for architectural solutions indoors and outdoors, but also new heavy-duty applications.”
2022 offers a year of change and growth for many businesses, with Landguard Point looking to expand this year. Plans are in place for new facilities, operations and staff development, allowing the company to continue to reach their growth targets and ensure their position in the market for many years to come.
You can read the full feature in the Winter Timber Trader UK magazine
