Indrani Mukherjee, Founder, Furn Bambu
Private Limited and Bamboooz
Could you provide an introduction of
yourself to our audience?
I am a civil engineer by
education. I did my post-graduation in project management. I hold an MBA degree
from NMIMS Mumbai. I am a sustainability professional from the London School of
Economics and Political Science. I am the founder of the manufacturing
enterprise Furn Bambu Pvt. Limited, which produces value-added bamboo products
and applies engineered bamboo in infrastructure projects in India.
Could you tell us about Furn Bambu Private
Limited and Bamboooz and the services they offer?
“Furn Bambu Private Limited” was formed with the
mission of manufacturing world-class, beautiful, environmentally friendly,
innovative products that add to a healthy lifestyle and healthy living for the
consumer and sustainable, durable, and 100% biodegradable products. Furn Bambu
Private Limited is mainly in the arena of home, kitchen essentials, and
personal care. All our products are a plastic replacement, all natural, without
any polish or color. Furn Bambu Pvt Ltd is a pioneer in the application of engineered
bamboo in infrastructure projects. We give customized solutions as per
architects'/clients requirements.
What inspired your entrepreneurial
journey, and how has your leadership driven innovation and growth in Furn Bambu
Private Limited and Bamboooz?
My journey as a businesswoman was inspired by a deep
desire to create sustainable solutions using the most renewable material on
earth, i.e., bamboo. By visiting different parts of India, especially Northeast
India, I saw the untapped potential of bamboo as an eco-friendly resource. I
envisioned a business along with my partner, Mr. Samrat Saha, that could not
only bring innovative products to market but also promote environmental
responsibility.
This vision led to the founding of Furn Bambu, brand
name BAMBOOOZ, with the mission to redefine how bamboo is perceived in
mainstream design, construction, and product manufacturing. From the beginning
my focus was on combining indigenous craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics
and scalable manufacturing practices.
As a leader, I have driven innovation by fostering a
culture that embraces experimentation, whether through treatment processes to
enhance bamboo’s durability or the introduction of technology in the business
to produce quality products and give new sustainable offerings to the
customers.
Under my leadership, Furn Bambu-Bamboooz evolved from
niche ventures into recognized names in green construction and sustainable
product sectors, creating a balance between profit, planet, and purpose.
Could you walk us through your
professional journey, including key milestones that shaped your career and
ventures?
My professional journey has been a blend of vision,
resilience, and deep-rooted passion for sustainability and innovation. My
interest lies in alternative materials and lifestyle products that can replace
plastics and also the application of engineered bamboo in infrastructure
projects. Being a civil engineer, my interest lies in the engineering aspect of
this renewable resource called bamboo.
I emphasize spreading awareness about alternative
& renewable materials. My aim is to set a process of change that meets both
current & future needs. A pivotal milestone was the founding of Furn Bambu,
born from the idea that bamboo could be transformed into contemporary lifestyle
products and the application of engineered bamboo in infrastructure projects
that meet global standards.
This phase was defined by intense learning,
understanding bamboo treatment technologies, building a supply chain rooted in
rural communities and designing products that fused aesthetics with
sustainability. Another defining moment was investing in skill development and
community engagement training for local artisans, empowering rural workers, and
ensuring that our enterprise contributed to inclusive, circular economies.
Can you share some notable projects that
showcase your commitment to green construction and sustainability and how your
core areas of expertise have driven these initiatives?
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading
several projects that reflect our unwavering commitment to green construction
and sustainable development. These projects are not just structures—they are
living, breathing examples of how bamboo can be used as a high-performance,
regenerative building material.
Notable Projects
One of our landmark accomplishments was at the
Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore – Terminal T2, where Furn Bambu
Pvt. Ltd. was selected over several international firms to craft the engineered
bamboo handrails used across the terminal’s railings and staircases. The
project included over 2 km of bamboo handrails, which were constructed starting
in April 2022. The handrails are made of engineered bamboo, a processed form
designed to be fire-retardant, durable, and visually appealing. T2 interiors
extensively feature engineered bamboo ceilings, pillars, railings, staircases,
and decorative garden structures.
Over the years, Furn Bambu has undertaken numerous
bamboo projects in India, like at IIM Bangalore, JNCASR, KSRTC, TTD, and many
other institutions, corporations, and hotels in India. Every project we
undertake reaffirms our belief that sustainable design can be elegant, durable,
and high-performing. By combining traditional materials with modern
engineering, we aim to lead the transformation toward a greener built
environment.
How do you stay up to date with the latest
trends and advancements in sustainable construction and material science?
Furn Bambu Staying current with the latest
developments in sustainable construction and material science is essential to
our mission of pushing the boundaries of bamboo innovation and green building.
We actively invest in knowledge, partnerships, and experimentation to remain at
the forefront.
Since we, both founders of Furn Bambu, are civil
engineers, and I am a structural engineer, we regularly engage with
architectural firms and green building consultants to explore how bamboo can be
applied in new, structurally demanding, or visually refined ways.
We invest in continuous learning through journals,
online courses, and certifications in material innovation, bio-based
construction, and circular economy principles. Market feedback from architects,
developers, and clients helps us rapidly adapt our products to meet new demands
in fire safety, acoustic performance, and design flexibility. We adopt a “test
and learn” approach—prototyping new joinery systems, finishes, or structural
applications in real-world pilot installations before scaling them for clients.
Through R&D, industry engagement, and continuous
learning, we ensure that every Furn Bambu product stands at the intersection of
design excellence, performance, and environmental responsibility.
7. What guidance would you offer to
budding entrepreneurs aiming to create purpose-driven businesses rooted in
sustainability?
Building a purpose-driven business rooted in sustainability is one of the most rewarding and challenging journeys you can undertake. At Furn Bambu, we've learned through experience that success in this space comes from deep conviction, smart innovation, and long-term vision.
a) First and foremost,
the point is clarity regarding the problem you're solving for the planet or
people—whether it’s reducing waste, preserving biodiversity, or enabling
climate-positive materials. This purpose will guide decisions, attract
like-minded partners, and build trust.
b) Sustainability isn't
a buzzword; it's a commitment to science, engineering, and discipline. Whether
you’re working with bamboo, solar energy, or recycled plastics, understand the
full lifecycle of your materials and products.
c) Purpose-driven businesses often grow more slowly than conventional ones, especially in the
early stages. Stay committed to your principle even if it means turning down
shortcuts or profit-first deals.
d) Educate while you
build. Inspire your customers to be part of the change, not just consumers.
e) Let integrity be your
brand. Be transparent. Own your limitations. Celebrate progress, but don’t
greenwash.
Post a Comment