Fighting plastic pollution at 2023 CIFTIS

INBAR’s exhibition on the Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic Initiative captivated visitors at the international fair.

Momentum is growing for nature-based solutions to the plastic crisis facing the planet. From 2 to 6 September 2023, the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) hosted a spacious exhibition at the 2023 China International Fair for Trade In Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing. A total of 59 countries and 24 international organizations participated in this year’s fair.

The main theme of the INBAR exhibition was the Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic (BASP) Initiative, aimed at combating plastic pollution and addressing climate change. Key components of the sustainable initiative, products on display at the exhibition were sourced with bamboo, showing how the green, alternative material can be substituted for plastics. The BASP Initiative seeks to not only reduce plastic pollution, which has crippling impacts on planetary wellbeing, human food security and many other transboundary issues, but also directly address climate change by promoting bamboo as a renewable resource that functions as a powerful carbon sink. And, durable products made from bamboo lock in carbon for the duration of their lifespan.

With over 10,000 products made with bamboo, and over 1600 bamboo species known to science growing across 50 million hectares, many diverse applications of bamboo were highlighted at the exhibition, ranging from tableware, daily goods, and art supplies to bicycles, construction materials and furniture.

Many single-use plastic items like cutlery, plates and packaging can be substituted for bamboo, which is a low-carbon sustainable alternative.

Some of the high-quality bamboo products on display included brushes, combs and cups.

The strong and flexible nature of bamboo means it can even be used to make bicycle frames.

Visitors eager to see up close the innovative products made with bamboo.

INBAR staff were on site all week receiving guests and answering questions.

Informational material was shared with visitors to learn more about INBAR’s mission and achievements.

INBAR’s exhibition was one of the hot spots of 2023 CIFTIS, drawing large crowds across all five days of the fair. Among the technological razzle-dazzle of the massive venue, the softly lit and elegant atmosphere of the bamboo-themed exhibition captivated many passers-by.

High-level leaders also visited INBAR’s section including H.E. Mr. Simon Pierre Adovelande, Ambassador of Benin to China, a delegation of senior officials from the State of Sarawak, Malaysia, and Professor Jiang Zehui, INBAR Co-Chair of Board of Trustees.

H.E. Mr. Simon Pierre Adovelande, Ambassador of Benin to China (middle).

Senior government officials from Malaysia.

Co-Chair of INBAR Board of Trustees Professor Jiang Zehui (middle) poses with INBAR staff.

INBAR also hosted journalists from media outlets including People’s Daily, Beijing Youth Daily, CGTN and more. Interviews were conducted in a wide variety of formats, from legacy print media and edited video content to broadcasted live streams. Held in multiple languages, these interviews were crucial to helping amplify the INBAR mandate of driving sustainable development with bamboo and rattan among diverse audiences around the world, particularly noting the relevance of the BASP Initiative for overcoming the environmental, economic and societal challenges of our time.

INBAR Deputy Director General Professor Lu Wenming (left) interviewed by Beijing Youth Daily.

INBAR Programme Officer Wang Renfei (left) interviewed by China Finance.

Overall, 2023 CIFTIS was a resounding success, boosting the image of bamboo and rattan in the public sphere and establishing new industry links. The fair was an ideal platform for showcasing INBAR’s unique vision for a greener future, as visitors were delighted by the elegant bamboo products and curious to learn more about the plant’s versatile properties and sustainable applications. These individuals are injecting vitality into the growing movement to leverage nature-based solutions to solve issues global in scope such as plastic pollution and climate change.

The potential of bamboo is only just now being realized.

INBAR Interns Wang Xiangjie (left) and Zhang Ying (right).