Interview with Richard Lin of Bamboo Sustainable Solution & Innovation Limited

Welcome as a new member to the Chamber. Could you introduce yourself and tell us the story behind BSSI?

Thank you for the warm welcome. My partner, Alex Chui, and I are grateful for the incredible support from the Chamber, the Dutch Consulate, and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency.

My career has focused on the intersection of sustainability, supply chain, and policy. As a carbon specialist, I’ve worked on projects from corporate sustainability to government guides. Through this work, I saw a major disconnect: while the need to decarbonize is urgent, businesses often saw it as a complex burden.

Alex and I founded BSSI to bridge that gap. We knew that for real change, the sustainable choice had to be the best choice—not just for the planet, but in terms of performance, beauty, and value. We found our answer in one of nature's most incredible resources, supercharged with technology.

What is the central concept behind your business model?

We create truly sustainable and beautiful buildings by providing superior materials as part of a complete, end-to-end solution. This makes it easy for our clients to do the right thing.

The construction industry is moving away from carbon-intensive materials like steel and concrete due to rising carbon prices and stricter compliance. Our solution is globally leading, high-tech engineered bamboo. This isn't the bamboo from a garden; it's a feat of material science.

We’ve created the world's first certified and patented 100% bio-based bamboo materials. They are fully biodegradable with zero VOCs, making them healthy for people and the planet—and available without a price premium.

Our "Structural Bamboo System" can directly replace steel and concrete beams and columns. We also have a certified 30-minute fire-rated bamboo door and patented fire-resistant materials that withstood 1,000-degree fire for 260 minutes in testing.

These materials create warm, modern, biophilic spaces that are true carbon sinks. Crucially, doing the right thing is now also the most profitable. Clients building with our materials can access significant incentives through green public procurement policies and tax deductions. Our model delivers both the product and the expertise to unlock its full environmental and financial value.

What are you most proud of in establishing BSSI so far?

I am most proud of building a company that masters the entire process, from forest to finished project. This gives our clients complete peace of mind. Our strength comes from three integrated pillars.

Our Innovation Engine consists of R&D labs that push the boundaries of material science. They develop our biobased and fire-resistant technologies, ensuring we not only meet but exceed stringent EU standards.

Then, our Execution Powerhouse takes over. Through our manufacturing affiliates, we manage everything: sustainable sourcing, low-carbon processing, global logistics, and on-site support. This guarantees quality and integrity at every step.

Finally, BSSI acts as the Strategic Integrator for our clients. We guide them through complex sustainability policies and supply chain compliance, helping them unlock financial incentives. A critical part of our role is managing verification and certification, providing the transparent data that fights greenwashing and builds trust.

In short, we built this comprehensive system so our clients can focus on their vision, not the complexities of execution.

What are you currently most excited about building next?

We are most excited about building partnerships. A revolutionary material only changes the world when people build with it. Alex and I are actively seeking collaborators in the Netherlands and the EU for pilot projects.

Imagine a public building or corporate campus that is not only stunning but carbon-negative, acting as a "carbon bank." These projects are powerful statements for a new, better way to build. We are also keen to hold joint workshops with architects, engineers, and developers.

On a personal note, I'm happy to be a resource for Chamber members, whether you're navigating your carbon strategy or are simply curious about the ESG landscape.

Finally, what is the one key message about the future of sustainable business you'd want to share?

My key message is that sustainability has evolved. It was an option, is now a compliance 'must,' and is quickly becoming a competitive edge and a winning formula.

The era where "eco-friendly" meant compromise and high cost is over. Forward-thinking companies now realize that sustainable materials can deliver superior performance, unparalleled aesthetic beauty, and healthier environments at a competitive cost. This is a compelling value proposition that leads to attractive financial rewards.