China has 7.01 million hectares of bamboo forests and is the world’s largest producer and exporter of bamboo products, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. At the forefront of the movement to replace plastics with bamboo are major bamboo production areas in China such as Zhejiang, Fujian, Sichuan, Guangdong and Anhui provinces. The nation’s bamboo forests account for an area similar in size to the entirety of Ireland. Bai Xia, who manages Anji’s bamboo products exhibition centre that showcases the innovative uses of the plant, said, “Since 2022, bamboo food trays have been replacing plastic ones in local government canteens and affiliated bodies.” Editor’s note: China Daily is publishing a series illustrating the country’s efforts to achieve its carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.
