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The many benefits of bamboo

Despite its appearance, bamboo isn’t a tree, it’s grass. A fast, naturally re-growing grass, which rarely needs to be replanted after being harvested for use. It is very versatile and can be processed into many different shapes.

The hands of a weaver sitting down hand-weaving a bamboo lattice from long, thin strands of bamboo.

Why we love bamboo

Bamboo is a very strong and resilient material that can stand up to everyday use, ensuring long-lasting products. And at the same time, bamboo is relatively lightweight, making it easy to use and handle.

That despite its size, bamboo is not a tree but actually a grass.

Hundreds of bamboo rods drying outdoors on shelves. The shelves on which they are drying are also made of bamboo.

Bamboo facts

  • Grows in a wide variety of environments and is adaptable and flexible
  • Generally doesn’t require fertilisers or irrigation
  • Grows extremely fast
  • Rarely needs replanting*

 

*Yannick Kuehl, Giles Henley and Lou Yiping: “The Climate Change Challenge and Bamboo: Mitigation and Adaption”, INBAR working paper no 65.

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world and as a young plant can grow up to one meter per day.*

Two SINNERLIG lamps hanging above a selection of dark green, brown and grey tableware with a pine tree in the background.

*Yannick Kuehl, Giles Henley and Lou Yiping: “The Climate Change Challenge and Bamboo: Mitigation and Adaption”, INBAR working paper no 65.

How IKEA uses bamboo

IKEA products that feature bamboo are mainly made from two parts of the plant - the bottom and the middle. Lamellae are used for panels in accessories and furniture, and wickers are used for handicraft techniques such as rolling and weaving. Below are some examples of IKEA products made from bamboo.

There are 1,200 bamboo species in the world.*

KÅSEBERGA cool basket made in woven bamboo and a cotton inside holding different vegetables, placed on a sandy beach.

*Yannick Kuehl, Giles Henley and Lou Yiping: “The Climate Change Challenge and Bamboo: Mitigation and Adaption”, INBAR working paper no 65.

The wood we use

The wood used in IKEA products comes from many locations around the world. Learn where it grows, how much we use, and the types of wood we source.

Learn more on the IKEA global brand site