Assam Ergo, an innovative design studio in Assam, is committed to creating innovative products using sustainable materials. During an exclusive interview with Business North East (BNE), Assam Ergo founder Asif Laskar shared his experiences, challenges, and how his company is poised to emerge as a global contender in sustainable design.
His passion for eco-friendly design and exploration of bamboo as a building material ignited when he bagged his first project with the Government of Sikkim.
“When I began in 2007, I realised I wanted to create a brand centred around engineered bamboo. Over the years, we have refined our designs and methods, and we are now committed to demonstrating that bamboo can serve as a substitute for timber in buildings and furniture,” the founder said, speaking of constructing a conference hall for which he used bamboo as the primary material.
The company offers furniture and large architectural structures made from bamboo, a renewable resource native to Northeast India. “We aim to support environmental sustainability and economic development in the Northeast,” he told BNE, adding that the primary goal of Assam Ergo is to develop visually appealing, practical and eco-friendly products.
“We emphasise three key aspects for our products: design, functionality, and sustainability,” Laskar stated while explaining that engineered bamboo is environmentally friendly, durable and stronger than conventional wood.
Speaking of the challenges faced, Laskar said the primary obstacle is obtaining and treating the bamboo, which requires specialised equipment and expertise. Moreover, working with the material yet to gain acceptance in the market has meant that many prospective clients are unaware of bamboo's potential as a construction resource.
Laskar revealed that attracting clients requires a significant initial investment, and the company relies on income from projects to support its growth. "It may take four to five months for me to secure a project, but once we achieve it, the effort is worthwhile," he said.
Moreover, the complex process requires substantial labour and specialised equipment, making production costly. The bamboo undergoes treatment and compression into boards used to create panels for furniture and large structures.
“We use three to four times more consumables, cutting blades, power, and labour when working with engineered bamboo. The material is harder to work with compared to conventional wood, which makes the final product more expensive. But we are confident that people who value sustainability and exclusivity will see the worth in our products,” Laskar said.
Although Assam Ergo products have primarily been sold to institutions and select retail partners, it is focused on making its products available to a broader consumer market.
Currently, the company is exploring global partnerships, including potential collaborations with an American company in the structural bamboo sector to introduce Assam's eco-friendly bamboo products. "We've received enquiries from Europe, the UK, and the US. Our designs are comparable to the finest being made in the West, and we are now ready to showcase them globally,” the founder said.
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He also said that his company aims to change how people perceive design and sustainability. "As we expand, we will generate employment, support local craftsmen, and contribute to the economic progress of Assam and the Northeast," he said.
"Sustainability goes beyond materials, it involves innovative thinking, creating enduring solutions, and contributing to the global cause. We are not just making furniture, but shaping the future," Laskar stated during the BNE interview.
Meanwhile, with its distinctive eco-friendly furniture and architectural design methods, Assam Ergo is contributing to the reduction of global carbon emissions as well.
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