With sustainability on the rise, we look into 6 up-and-coming Philippine bamboo-based businesses that exemplify the innovative use of local raw materials.

Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on Earth, with some species growing as much as 1 meter per day. Given this, it’s easy to grow it and make something out of this renewable and sustainable resource.

As the 6th largest bamboo exporter in the world, the Philippines grows bamboo on about 39,000 to 53,000 hectares of land. And with about 60 bamboo species growing in the country, many Filipinos learned how to use this to their advantage. 

Beyond its traditional use for pieces of furniture and huts, bamboo has evolved into a sustainable powerhouse, offering a diverse range of eco-friendly products that revolutionize industries and lifestyles. Given how many Filipinos are trying to adapt to a sustainable lifestyle, several businesses incorporated the use of bamboo with their products. Here are some brands to check out. 

6 Up-and-Coming Local Bamboo-based Businesses

6. Bambike

Bambike is a social enterprise based in Manila that makes bamboo bicycles. The company works in partnership with the Gawad Kalinga Foundation to help the poor and bring them livelihood at the same time. It has several types of bicycles that can be bought or rented while touring across the Walled City of Intramuros. 

Aside from its bicycles, Bambike also offers several programs that nurture children and sponsor bamboo reforestation. 

5. Kawayan PH 

Taking into consideration the abundance of bamboo in the Philippines, Kawayan PH made the most out of it and developed eco-friendly watches. According to its website, the company chose bamboo out of other possible materials because of its sustainability and durability.

It offers several types of watches as well as bamboo straps that its customers can choose from. Their watches also come in various sizes and designs. 

4. Wodd

Wodd was mainly driven by the launch of several “No Plastic” campaigns. This inspired its two founders to launch wood and bamboo-based products that can be enjoyed by adventurous people. They then came up with the idea of bamboo sunglasses as wood-crafted glass holders that can be bought online or from their partner stores. 

To give back to the community, the owners partnered with the Philippine Business for Social Progress with the promise of planting one tree for every sunglass sold. 

3. Bambuhay

Bambuhay is another social enterprise that’s committed to helping farmers while providing sustainable solutions. The company offers a wide range of products—its bestsellers being its bamboo toothbrushes and bamboo straws.

Since 2017, the company has sold products and used the money to give back to their communities. More so, the company is proud to have eliminated more than 500,000 pounds of plastic waste through its endeavours.

2. Ava & Ava

Ava & Ava was founded by three sisters who discovered how Bamboo Lyocell linens were hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. With that, they now offer several linen essentials that can be ordered from their shop. These include fitted sheets, pillowcases, bolsters, comforters, towels, baby bedding, and others. 

Aside from the good quality products that the company offers, it also provides personalization for its customer’s orders.

1. The Bamboo Company 

The Bamboo Company is a social enterprise that aims to reduce plastic waste and rural poverty with the help of bamboo. Given its dedication to its mission, the company has produced a wide selection of products made of bamboo. 

Among those that they offer are bamboo tumblers and mugs, bamboo pens, bamboo coffee sets, bamboo notebooks, bamboo shoe racks, and even bamboo flash drives. 

Key Takeaway

With bamboo’s versatility and eco-friendly qualities, bamboo products can soon shape the country—not just for a greener future, but also for a more stable economy. After all, given the fast growth rate of the plant and the endless possibilities that can be made with it, more businesses can integrate bamboo into their products. 

Moreover, in the long run, the bamboo industry can provide a livelihood for impoverished communities and also be a great source of products that can be exported to neighboring countries.