The terms and definitions in ISO 21626-1/2/3: 2020 may be consulted on ISO on-line browsing platform. The standard can be purchased by iso.org or by any ISO member.
Q1: What is the WG3 standard about?
A1: The standard establishes a series of guidelines for bamboo charcoal of different applications which is in fast development. It is currently divided into three(3) parts, namely: Part 1: Generalities, Part 2: Fuel applications, and Part 3: Purification applications. The standard provides terms and definitions, and classification regarding bamboo charcoal. It also specifies fundamental requirements and test methods of bamboo charcoal, to wit: moisture, ash and fixed carbon content for different grades, and further prescribes specific requirements for exact applications, such as calorific value for fuel application, and formaldehyde/TVOC adsorption capacity for air purification application. The product data, which is offered for both academic and industrial, can help manufacturers to develop better quality control, from which end-users can also benefit.
Q2: Why is the WG3 standard worth developing?
A2: The current global trade in bamboo and rattan products across 120 countries is estimated at USD 60 billion. The world export of bamboo and rattan products consist of engineered bamboo (24%), bamboo shoots (20%), woven bamboo products (19%), bamboo & rattan furniture (17%), woven rattan products (10%), bamboo raw materials (6%) bamboo charcoal (3%) and rattan raw materials (1%).
The development and promotion of the international standards will provide greater opportunities for innovation, inclusive “green” growth, environmental stewardship, indigenous & local community empowerment, climate change mitigation and adaptation, resilience, adaptability and self-sufficiency.
Bamboo is considered the fastest-growing plant in the world. Bamboo charcoal is a renewable biomass prepared by carbonization of bamboo materials in limited oxygen or without oxygen conditions. It is the most efficient utilization of bamboo materials. Even waste from bamboo manufacturing can be used as raw materials. Bamboo charcoal can be applied as alternative to fossil fuel or wood charcoal, purification of air or water, additives in food or household chemicals, and soil improvement, etc. Its extensive applications can significantly boost the eco-friendly, sustainable development of the international community.
With more than twenty (20) years of development various bamboo charcoal and bamboo vinegar products have been available in Asia, Africa and Latin America, while European countries often come as the procurement parties. Nevertheless, there is no universal standard that producers and entrepreneurs can refer to when involved in the manufacture or business engagement. Therefore, creating standards on the international level can provide theoretical and/or practical guidance to production and trade of bamboo charcoal products. Whatever the variation of production equipment or process technologies in different countries or regions, it shall reach criterion that can avoid controversy.
A3: International trade of bamboo charcoal products is booming, and establishing standards on the international level is essential to the market, which can offer quality guidelines on product manufacturing, and regulation to trading. These standards can promote the upgrading from traditional kiln to mechanical production line, application of regular purposes to high value-added, as well as innovative and versatile applications of bamboo charcoal. High quality products, efficient growth, and managed competition can also be expected for the global bamboo charcoal industry.