Gallery View: India's bamboo products push the sustainability agenda

Posted: September 28, 2021

An alternative to wood, bamboo is no longer just a "poor man's timber" but a viable, eco-friendly, versatile material for handicrafts.

Bamboo, which can grow 47.6 inches in 24 hours and is ready for harvesting in just three to five years, compared to a decade for softwoods, has increased in popularity amid the ongoing consumer trends toward environmental protection and sustainability. In India, with its 125 indigenous and 11 exotic species of bamboo according to the Forest Survey of India, the material has long been an abundant resource for its culture of arts and crafts.

Traditional handicrafts made from bamboo stems in the form of sticks and strips consist of decorative and everyday products. These include baskets, bags, wall hangings, toys and jewelry boxes, which are distinct in their designs and continue to be a major source of livelihood for India.

Expanding on the cultural appeal of these products, manufacturers of handicrafts in India also use handloom or handwoven fabric as lining and handloom threads for binding. For a contemporary touch, some pair bamboo with faux leather. Synthetic or natural dyes and paint are used, while a natural lacquer finish remains an option to preserve and highlight the material's organic charm.

Multicolored box

Art Keval's 01 multicolored round bamboo box is handmade using 100 percent natural bamboo sticks and woven matting. The sticks, which are held together by cotton threads on a handloom cloth base, are dyed with synthetic or natural materials as required. The cloth-lined box measures 6in in diameter and 2in in height. Price is $1.31. MOQ is 100 pieces and lead time 45 days.

Window blind

The 02 bamboo window blind from Art Keval is made of 100 percent natural flat, thin bamboo sticks woven together by hand with nylon threads. It is painted dark brown. Designs and colors can be customized. A roll is 75ft long and 8ft wide. Price is $320. MOQ is one roll, with a 45-day lead time. Ready-made blinds in custom sizes and with mounting accessories are available at $1.60 to $1.80 per square foot.

Handbag with faux leather

Chakrabarti Handicraft's 01 handbag is made of handwoven bamboo matting with a natural finish, and has a light-brown artificial leather base, edges and double handles. This 10x8x3in D-shaped bag has a slip pocket inside and a zipper closure. It is price at $7.10. MOQ is 100 pieces and lead time is 45 days.

Multipurpose basket

Made of handwoven flat bamboo strips, the model 01 multipurpose basket from Ethica Handloom & Handicraft Pvt. Ltd comes in natural and red versions and has riveted double handles. It is 10in long, 6in wide and 3in high. Price is $0.90. The supplier requires a minimum order of 50 pieces. Lead time is 30 days.

Lampshade

The EECBL-005 from Ethica Handloom & Handicraft Pvt. Ltd is a handmade bamboo lampshade made of woven dark pink and natural-color strips with a lacquer finish. It is 8.5in in diameter and 6in in height, and has a bamboo chain for hanging. Price is $2.50. An order of at least 50 pieces is required.

Gift box

Utsav Handicraft's gift box, model UHBMGBS21, is made of cardboard with a handloom cloth lining and dyed woven bamboo matting glued to the exterior. It has golden trim, bejeweled tassels and a removable lid. Product size is 6x6in but can be customized. Price is $5.40. MOQ is 100 pieces and lead time is 45 days.

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