In comparison to wood, bamboo has always been considered an eco-friendlier and more durable alternative, in addition to the fact that it grows faster. However, in the past, climatic limitations restricted growing Bamboo in Europe, which is a major market for imported bamboo products. Today, the tides are changing with several hectares of bamboo species planted across Europe in countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France and Greece, thereby advancing local production potential.
Bameo, a Swiss Belgian brand co-founded by former classmates --Romain van Wassenhove, Jonas Rents and Pablo Recourt--is not just making a strong case for the future of modern Bamboo-made furniture in Europe, but one that merges functionality, aesthetics and eco-responsibility.
The current project was developed in collaboration with the Free University of Brussels (ULB/VUB) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), where co-founder, Van Wassenhove, carried out his Erasmus programme. As a student, he based his dissertation on the development of a connection system to facilitate and modernise bamboo structures, and shortly after, he received a grant from the EPFL to develop the project and filed for a patent that is now expected to be delivered in 2023.
Apart from reducing the ecological footprint, conserving energy and reducing waste, a unique attribute of the products is engraved in its “connection system” or modular design that enables an easy assembly of the furniture, while retaining a natural appearance. This system also enhances the longevity of the furniture as it is possible to easily take out any defective parts and still retain the furniture for a lifetime. Van Wassenhove worked on the connection system, Rents manages the technical and artistic aspects, while Recourt handles production.
Van Wassenhove explains that the main concept of the brand is based on the use of bamboo in a standard and modern way that matches European market expectations, while conserving the raw state of the bamboo as much as possible in the production process.
One of the key long-term goals for the brand is to manufacture products using local European bamboo poles and gradually phase out imports. The founders are already in discussions with bamboo producers in Portugal, France and Belgium.
Our vision is to help build the European bamboo economy today. This project is also a way to stimulate investments and [boost] local production.
Product samples
The furniture was made in collaboration with two Brussels designers, Nicolas Bovesse and Renaud Meunier. The first line of furniture available for pre-order includes coat hangers and storage units such as side tables and shelves. The collection is expected to grow further with additional designs and furniture.
Crowdfunding and official launch
After two years of developing the system and furniture line, the brand will sell their first products while launching a crowdfunding campaign, which will run from 21 April to 21 May. During this period, the furniture will be sold at more advantageous conditions.
An online pre-launch was held on 19 April. The direct link to make orders will be made public on 21 April. Orders taken during the campaign will be delivered later in the year to the first buyers of the Bameo brand.
Future plans and target market
In the future, Bameo intends to go beyond its furniture line with a vision to adapt its connection system for larger applications of bamboo.
For example, by 2025, the brand envisages an online product configurator that enables clients to design their own furniture using the unique connection system. In the longer term, they also aim to extend the connection system to several construction services such as temporary event and scaffolding structures with bamboo materials infused in construction.
The main target for the brand is the European market with a special focus on Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium for a start. “We are convinced that Luxembourg will be a great market for us, especially in the early stages”, van Wassenhove underlines.
The public will be able to pre-order products during the one-month campaign from 21 April. for more details.