InventWood's Superwood Transforms Ordinary Timber into Steel-Strong Sustainable Material

InventWood is pioneering a breakthrough in sustainable construction materials with its product Superwood, a material stronger than steel yet derived from ordinary timber. Originally developed in 2018 by materials scientist Liangbing Hu at the University of Maryland, this innovation has moved from lab research to commercial production, promising to revolutionize the building industry.

Superwood is created by chemically modifying the lignin in wood and compressing it to increase hydrogen bonding between cellulose molecules. This process densifies the material up to four times, resulting in a tensile strength 50% greater than steel and a strength-to-weight ratio ten times better. The material is also Class A fire rated, resistant to rot and pests, and can be stabilized for outdoor use.

InventWood’s initial commercial focus is on facade applications for commercial and high-end residential buildings. The material’s natural coloration, enhanced through compression, mimics rich tropical hardwoods without the need for staining. The company envisions expanding to structural beams that combine aesthetic appeal with high performance, potentially replacing carbon-intensive steel and concrete in construction.

The environmental significance of Superwood lies in its potential to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. Since 90% of a building’s carbon impact comes from concrete and steel, substituting these with Superwood could be transformative for sustainable construction. InventWood has raised $15 million in Series A funding to build its first commercial plant and scale production.

This innovation exemplifies how advanced materials science can create eco-friendly alternatives that do not compromise on strength or durability. By leveraging natural cellulose nanocrystals that outperform carbon fiber, Superwood represents a new frontier in green building materials, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change through sustainable infrastructure.