Projects

Our initial business interests are in the following areas:

1. Bamboo processing – globally there is a 6Bn USD and growing market for Bamboo, products such as matting, flooring, tableware, and even toothpicks. We intend to build on the strengths of indigenous Bangladeshi Bamboo varieties to produce a range of high quality products. OTL is an associate member of INBAR, and is working in partnership with the Bangladesh Forestry Research Institute in Chittagong. A detailed initial feasibility study has been completed.
   
   Technically speaking Bamboo is not a tree, but a form of grass. They have shallow roots which don’t unnecessarily deplete the nutrients of the soil, and provides structure and canopy for re-invigoration of degraded lands. Stands of Bamboo release 35% more Oxygen than wood trees, and are excellent absorbers of Carbon Dioxide. Bamboo is also a “poor friendly material” as people with limited or poor quality land can plant and harvest as a supplementary income. Globally there is a deficiency in sustainable wood forests, and as a result it is predicted that there will be a large growth in the global “wood replacement” product market over the next ten to twenty years. Globally there is rising awareness of damage being done to the environment through manufacturing using slow degrading plastics and other materials, once again Bamboo has the potential to be an excellent replacement. There are nearly thirty varieties of Bamboo available in Bangladesh, all of which is currently either unused or used for low added value products such as handicrafts or construction materials. Ecologically and economically Bamboo is a “win-win” crop.

2. Renewable Energy – In Bangladesh, the take-up of renewable en energy technologies amongst the emerging urban middle classes is very low. Our intention is to develop appropriate technical applications for this huge emerging local market.

3. Diversified Jute – traditionally Bangladesh has been a world leader in Jute production for ropes and sacks. There is a growing potential for diversified, higher added value products such as bags and even clothing.

4. There are also many opportunities for business within Food Processing and Information Technology within Bangladesh.

"...many people assume, wrongly, that a company exists simply to make money. While this is an important result of a company's existence, we have to go deeper and find the real reasons for our being."

Jim Collins