Bamboo PaperBamboo PaperWhy Bamboo?
One of the world’s most prolific and fastest-growing plants, bamboo is able to reach maturity in about four years, compared to the typical 25 to 70 years for commercial tree species in the U.S. Climbing to heights of 60 feet or more, bamboo is actually a tropical grass, with a sprawling root system that sends out an average of four to six new shoots per year. About 25% of the plant can be pruned annually over its 70-100 year life span without depleting its mass. This rapid regeneration provides approximately four to five times the biomass of the fastest-growing commercial tree species.
Does bamboo make good quality paper?
Yes, in Asia, bamboo has been used in the traditional hand-made production of paper for centuries. Now, through modern manufacturing processes, bamboo pulp is capable of fine writing and printing paper standards, offering similar strength, brightness and printability of comparable wood pulp-based papers. And like these wood pulp-based papers, bamboo paper is completely recyclable.
How is the bamboo grown?
All the bamboo is planted and grown in Thailand, on family-owned farms (typically two hectares in size) that have been in agricultural use for generations. None on the fiber comes from tropical forests. The Phoenix Pulp and Paper Corporation subsidizes independent farmers by providing bamboo seedlings, fertilizer and irrigation and propagation expertise, as well as a guaranteed market for their crops (although farmers are not required to sell their harvest to Phoenix). The viability of bamboo as an agricultural crop has stimulated the rural economy, and Phoenix has contributed further to the community through active involvement in building schools, a hospital and infrastructure.
Does bamboo harvesting threaten the habitat of the Giant Panda Bear?
No endangered or threatened species live in these bamboo plantations. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the Giant Panda Bear resides almost exclusively in the damp, cool region of southwestern China. Thailand has never been the natural habitat of Panda Bears.
Where is the actual paper made?
Rubicon Bamboo paper is manufactured in the United States by Fox River Paper Company, using pulp produced in Thailand by the Phoenix Pulp and Paper Corporation, the sole exporter of bamboo pulp to North America.
What are the agricultural practices of these bamboo farms?
The farms employ modern agricultural techniques that conform to standards endorsed by both the Thai government and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Is Rubicon Bamboo paper produced with sound environmental practices?
The mill that produces bamboo pulp for Rubicon is a 100% ECF (elemental chlorine free) operation. What’s more, the mill has worked with the Thai government to implement Project Green. Today all effluent passes through a three-stage, state-of-the-art treatment process, after which this purifies water is re-used to irrigate surrounding bamboo and other farms.
