The American startup InventWood is launching mass production of a new material called “Superwood.” The material is created using a special process: wood is stripped of lignin and other components through chemical treatment and then pressed at high temperature. The result is a compact and extremely strong material that is 10–12 times stronger than ordinary wood and 50% stronger than steel while being lighter.
“Superwood” is not prone to corrosion, is resistant to fire and pests, and can compete in its properties with expensive composites such as carbon fiber while remaining comparable in price to ordinary wood. The production process makes it possible to use fast-growing and inexpensive wood species such as pine or balsa.
Steel production is one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, smelting steel requires iron ore, coal, and significant amounts of energy — a resource-intensive and “dirty” process. Thanks to developments like Superwood, humanity is finding more sustainable, efficient, and affordable alternatives.
