China pushes for bamboo to replace plastics

Bamboo's potential as a plastic substitute takes on various forms in the exhibition center — from bamboo cutlery, straws and packaging boxes to bedding and clothing made from bamboo fiber.

Bai said that bamboo cutlery, toothbrushes, combs and toothpaste are widely used in Anji, and that bamboo-made tableware features in more than 300 restaurants and hotels in the county.

"In local markets, plastic bags have also been replaced by biodegradable bags made from 60 percent bamboo powder," she said. "These bamboo-based bags can break down within three months and yet they are tougher than plastic bags."

On the farm, bamboo-based film is replacing plastic film used for heat and water preservation. "As bamboo film is biodegradable, farmers no longer need to collect film waste in the field," Bai added.

Kindergartens in Anji have also adopted bamboo-made toys for children to play with, including toy bricks and models.

The estimated annual yield of bamboo is between 400,000 tons and 500,000 in Anji, according to Tang Hui from the local forestry department.

Bamboo undergoes several processes on its journey to becoming a versatile material.

Some products such as construction materials, cups and straws are made directly from bamboo through physical processing, while others, like pressed trays, bamboofiber clothing and packaging materials made of bamboo pulp, are created through chemical processing, Tang said.