Note: This article is a translated and edited version of a feature originally published by Suichang County News Network (遂昌县新闻网) on December 31, 2024.
Original article link (in Chinese): https://www.suichang.gov.cn/art/2024/12/31/art_1229387983_60657883.html
Reporter: Lei Xiaoyun (雷晓云)
A Decade of Shared Vision
In the winter of 2024, Zhejiang Jiahe Bamboo Technology Co., Ltd. (now known as ZHUART) welcomed René Zaal, founder of MOSO® International BV, into its office. The two leaders—ZHUART’s energetic chairman He Pincai and René Zaal —sat together to strategize their future globally. Their partnership, rooted in mutual respect and shared ambition, marked its 11th anniversary in 2024.
ZHUART is a high-tech company dedicated to R&D, manufacturing, and sales of engineered bamboo decking and cladding. MOSO® Bamboo is a renowned international innovator in sustainable bamboo products, with applications from hotels to museums and sports venues.
From a Surprise Order to a Steady Partnership
In 2013, MOSO placed an annual order of 100,000 m² of outdoor bamboo decking from ZHUART for boardwalk projects in Europe. At the time, the global outdoor engineered bamboo market was largely dominated by European firms, making this a surprising and opportunity for ZHUART Chairman He Pincai.
Facing scarce raw materials and lack of domestic infrastructure, He Pincai invested over RMB 100,000 to build bamboo-strand production equipment. His team optimized every detail—from roller parameters to cutting-edge milling solutions—to process bamboo strands themselves. MOSO requested hole-drilling and slotting on the sides of the boards. Because engineered bamboo was far harder than wood, traditional saws overheated after just a few cuts. ZHUART engineers installed motors with six times the original power and modified the conveyor system. What previously required three separate cuts was streamlined into one, achieving a 99.8% yield rate—an efficiency breakthrough that left a strong impression on René Zaal.
Photo: Two projects by MOSO® using ZHUART-supplied bamboo materials.
Withstanding Challenges Together
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global logistics and domestic demand. ZHUART’s operations slowed dramatically, and finished products piled up in warehouses. A critical phone call from René Zaal reignited collaboration: demand surged in Europe due to the rise of the “stay-at-home economy.” René asked: “Can you ramp up production?” He Pincai said “Yes.” He raised RMB 150 million to expand capacity, built new facilities featuring a 4.2-meter long hot press, and, with local government support, overcame technical hurdles in producing large-format bamboo panels. Production resumed steadily and exports surged.
Scaling for Global Impact and Sustainability
What began as an order of 100,000 m² has grown to over 1.2 million m² annually, with products shipped to more than 108 countries. ZHUART and MOSO® products now serve as global benchmarks for high-end sustainable bamboo boards.
In 2023, the Chinese government and the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) issued the global “Bamboo Instead of Plastic” initiative. ZHUART and MOSO jointly seized opportunities in major infrastructure projects like the German railway redevelopment. Following six months of rigorous testing, formula optimization, and competitive bidding, ZHUART secured a major national contract for bamboo decking with leading performance in sustainability, waterproofing, and fire resistance. Over the five-year term, ZHUART handled production, numbered splicing, packaging, and delivery, while MOSO managed client coordination and after-sales service—down to screw sizes and slot tolerances, both sides refined each detail.
A Shared Future of Innovation
Over more than ten years, ZHUART’s collaboration with MOSO®—led by founder René Zaal—has built a resilient, globally credible bamboo business. From 0.1 million m² to over 1.2 million m² annually, their joint journey spans multiple continents and highlights true strategic synergy.
Looking ahead, the two partners are planning the next ten-year chapter: accelerating “bamboo instead of plastic” solutions, enhancing the scalability of bamboo-based materials, and building a bamboo circular economy—from raw materials to end products, enabling global access to low-carbon, renewable, biodegradable bamboo materials.
About René Zaal
René Zaal is the founder and former CEO of MOSO® International BV, recognized globally for innovation in technical bamboo products and sustainability, with MOSO founded in 1997 as a pioneer brand in engineered bamboo
