Salvaged Wood Branches Out As A Replacement For Leather, Glass & Steel

Woodoo, a Paris-based startup, is on a mission to change the game in material use. The company has found a way to overcome the drawbacks of wood-based textiles with innovative solutions for multiple industries.

The secret to the solution lies in lignin, a natural glue that binds wood fibers, as stated in a profile by TechCrunch. The team at Woodoo discovered that removing and replacing lignin with a binding agent could create much stronger molecular bonds. This breakthrough has paved the way for a range of exciting new materials with a diverse range of applications.

First up is a lightweight and robust structural textile called ‘Solid’, which could have implications in the construction industry, replacing steel in many applications. In addition, by using wood from common trees like poplars, which are largely underutilized, Woodoo is tapping into a sustainable resource that can store significant amounts of CO2.

One of Woodoo’s other innovations is ‘Woodoo Slim’, a translucent, touch-sensitive wood panel notably lighter than glass. This material has potential for use in cars, where weight is a critical factor, and its properties could make it an ideal choice for dashboards and tactile buttons.

Another promising development is Woodoo’s flexible leather option. Not only does it retain some of the unique elements of wood, but it’s also animal-free and has a much lower carbon footprint than traditional leather. As a result, this material could transform the fashion and luxury industries by providing a more sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional leather.

The company has already signed deals with names like LVMH, Volkswagen, and Mercedes, taking its work to the luxury, automotive, and construction sectors. And with an additional $31 million raised in funding, it is poised to expand its production capacity and bring its innovative solutions to a broader audience.

Overall, such visions represent a significant step forward for sustainable and innovative design, offering a new way to think about traditional materials and their applications.

[via TechCrunch and Reuters, images via Woodoo]