A type of grass, which can grow up to 6-9 meters in just one year, has been found to be more durable and stable than wood. This grass can also store large amounts of CO2, far exceeding the capacity of trees. Plantd, a company that engineers and reattaches the grass fibers, has found a way to use this material to create panels for ceiling insulation, wall cladding, and flooring.
The company claims that its product is lighter, cheaper, and absorbs more carbon than wood, making it a viable alternative to wood in all aspects.
The new panel technology is revolutionizing the way houses are built, offering cost savings and higher energy efficiency. This leads to lower heating bills for homeowners, as traditional insulation materials often cause air leakage through thermal gaps in the walls.
Plantd's CEO, Mr. Dorfman, has stated that the panels will be treated with a flame retardant through a similar process used in the energy sector. The material has received preliminary approval for use as ceiling panels. With the annual wood products market reaching €280 billion worldwide, Plantd is determined to make architecture cheaper, without compromising on performance standards or the environment.