LAMBOOPLY

What it does

Lambooply is a durable, eco-friendly material for structural and non-structural uses. Made from locally sourced resources, it supports green construction while creating livelihood opportunities and addressing sustainability challenges.

Your inspiration

In the Philippines, deforestation and reliance on imported wood materials pose long-term sustainability and economic challenges. Meanwhile, bamboo and cattail grass, abundant yet underutilized, are traditionally used in handicrafts and informal construction. Inspired by local knowledge and a commitment to fostering community-driven innovation, Lambooply was born from an undergraduate thesis project aimed at creating a renewable, cost-efficient, and proudly Filipino material. The initiative was also driven by the urgent need for eco-conscious solutions that empower rural economies.

How it works

Lambooply is an engineered composite material made from bamboo and cattail (Lampakanay) fibers. Designed as a sustainable alternative to conventional wood products, it combines durability, aesthetic appeal, and environmental responsibility. It exhibits high mechanical strength and long-term performance, all while minimizing environmental impact through a reduced carbon footprint. The material’s design leverages the natural strength of bamboo and the fibrous texture of Lampakanay to create a reliable and well-balanced composite. Lambooply is well-suited for non-load-bearing wall partitions, ceiling panels, furniture, and a variety of interior applications.

Design process

The innovation began with the initiative to utilize bamboo in engineered materials, owing to its renewability, rapid growth, and ecological benefits. This research focused on developing an engineered plywood from giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper), reinforced with Lampakanay (Typha orientalis) fibers, an indigenous and naturally abundant material in Mindanao. Once considered a weed, Lampakanay offers notable tensile strength and durability, making it a viable natural reinforcement based on its availability, cost-efficiency, and performance. Prototyping involved varying the orientation of bamboo plies and fiber layers, alongside the search for a compatible, eco-friendly bonding agent. Cross-lamination of bamboo plies enhanced dimensional stability and improved strength distribution. Lampakanay fibers were tested in both woven and parallel-aligned configurations to determine the most effective structural arrangement. Through iterative fabrication and mechanical testing, including tensile, flexural, and water absorption tests, the design was refined. The final product exhibited improved physical and mechanical properties, validating its potential as a sustainable, high-performance alternative to conventional plywood.

How it is different

Lambooply stands out from conventional plywood in terms of material sourcing, sustainability, and social impact. Unlike traditional plywood, which relies on slow-growing trees and synthetic adhesives, Lambooply uses fast-renewable giant bamboo and cattail (Lampakanay) fibers, bonded with a non-toxic adhesive. It is the only known composite combining these two indigenous Philippine materials. While many experimental composites are costly or impractical, Lambooply is both scalable and cost-efficient, making it accessible to furniture makers and eco-conscious builders. Beyond its performance, it supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 8 by creating livelihood opportunities through sustainable production; SDG 9 by advancing innovation in green construction; SDG 12 through responsible material use; and SDG 13 by reducing reliance on timber and minimizing the environmental impact of long-distance transport.

Future plans

Lambooply aims to scale beyond laboratory production into community-based manufacturing cooperatives. Future developments include fire-retardant and heat-absorbent variants to expand its applications. Collaborations with local government units, NGOs, and small-to-medium enterprises are key to creating sustainable opportunities. Lambooply also seeks to raise awareness of eco-conscious construction by engaging stakeholders, academic institutions, and local communities through knowledge-sharing and education.

Awards

The project was recognized as the Best Thesis in the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program at MSU-IIT and received the Sustainable Future Research Award, an institutional recognition for outstanding innovation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.