Opportunities and challenges in the use of 'glued laminated bamboo' (Guadua weberbaueri) in the furniture sector of Acre, 2015

Abstract

Study addresses the timber sector in the Amazon. Its main objective is to generate information on the use of glued laminated bamboo (Guadua weberbaueri) in the furniture industry in Rio Branco – Acre, and thus contribute to the development of public policies aimed at the rational use of forest resources in this region. Its specific objective was to identify and analyze the opportunities, requirements and limitations for the use of glued laminated bamboo in the Rio Branco joinery. For this purpose, data was collected through the application, in January 2015, of a form with firms in the furniture sector in Rio Branco. The analysis was divided into three main subjects: raw material characterization; characterization of the industrialization and use of glued laminated bamboo in furniture. From the results generated, it can be inferred that: (a) glued laminated bamboo has the potential to be applied in various items of furniture; (b) it can replace the raw material originally used in joineries (wood, plywood, MDF) and (c) it is able to supply the low wood supply.