Outstanding innovation in technique, design and marketing

One recent innovation in their bamboo design has been perfecting the technique of making items that have “right angles”, including such things as boxes, trays, and baskets. The cooperative is also trained in how to dye their products naturally, and to use water-based paints, (safe paints that meet the standards for exporting to the US and Europe).

Sub-project: “Sustainable production and responsible consumption of medicinal plant and handicraft products for livelihood improvement, and reduced wildlife poaching for enhancing biodiversity conservation in Thua Thien Hue Province.

Sponsored by USAID Green Annamites Project

The Bao La Bamboo and Rattan Cooperative has maintained the tradition of producing bamboo and rattan for many years. Since initiating this sub-project, the cooperative has worked diligently to improve their designs in order to meet the demands of the tourist trade, and with a view to having greater access to a wider trade market.

One recent innovation in their bamboo design has been perfecting the technique of making items that have “right angles”, including such things as boxes, trays, and baskets. This technique was difficult to perfect because usually bamboo will break when it is bent into a 90o angle. In applying this new technique, the cooperative can develop a variety of new products. Another special application of this technique is that the cooperative can make bamboo-rattan boxes that can be folded to reduce transportation costs and to meet tourists’ desires.

The cooperative is also trained in how to dye their products naturally, and to use water-based paints, (safe paints that meet the standards for exporting to the US and Europe). Even during the project training period, products such as lamps, bags and boxes, were ordered, praised and favored by customers.

The cooperative’s board is very excited with the results they have achieved. Cooperative members are also very pleased because the new techniques they are using are helping them to create a variety of new designs for the future. Ms. Nha, a member of the cooperative, said: “The women in our cooperative have become more masterful and made these products in a shorter time because these new products are easier to make and require fewer stages of construction than earlier traditional products”.

Currently, the Bao La Bamboo and Rattan Cooperative have achieved a four-star OCOP* rating for their products. Their achievement has contributed to the success of the OCOP Scheme in Thua Thien Hue Province, and has helped to promote the development of other sectors of local business and production. These include suppliers of input materials, preliminary processing, secondary processing, deep processing, distribution, marketing, and other services. These various functioning bodies are all factors in the creation of products with a high market value and sustainable production. As of August 2020, the cooperative’s rattan and bamboo products will be sold directly to international customers on Amazon.com.