Biobased materials in the construction industry - Ancient and Innovative

Throughout history, biobased building materials have left their mark across the globe. From the mud bricks of ancient Egypt to the bamboo structures of Asia and the timber-framed buildings of medieval Europe, these materials have long been woven into our architectural heritage. However, the Industrial Revolution ushered in an era of non-regenerative materials like steel and concrete, which continue to dominate the construction industry today. Yet, with concrete alone contributing to 7% of total global CO2 emissions, it’s clear we need sustainable alternatives.

The Resurgence of biobased materials

At Impact Hub Amsterdam, we see a resurgence of biobased building materials, both ancient and innovative. Some examples are seen among the 15 finalists for the Built by Nature Prize, one of the recent innovation challenges we worked at and for which are currently offering a venture support program to the winners. Like the Singaporean company Widuz, that makes structural beams and external wall cladding from bamboo. And one of the runners up; the Ghanaian Ecovon, that makes board material from coconut husk. Despite this, many biobased materials are still produced on a small scale and primarily used for interior purposes. Why the discrepancy?

One side of the story is the hurdles that innovators face. They are multifaceted and include regulations, project timelines, and a lack of awareness and collaboration within the construction industry. In conversations with startups from our network, it’s been stressed that while many materials are well-tested and well-performing, potential customers and partners are still hesitant to use biobased materials.

For established players, the lag in regulatory frameworks is one of the key hurdles for adapting biobased materials, as regulatory frameworks struggle to keep pace with advancements in material innovation. Other challenges include high costs, certification, technical and logistical challenges, as well as the traditionally risk-averse nature of the construction industry, where proven methods and materials are preferred.

When the innovators were asked what their needs are to overcome these barriers, exposure to potential partners and facilitation of long-term partnerships have been emphasized. Raising awareness and kick-starting collaborations are thus critical steps in showcasing the benefits and viability of biobased construction materials while at the same time giving the startups stable revenue allowing them to scale and reach competitive prices.

An example where such partnerships came to fruition is the collaboration between AM Gebiedsontwikkeling and the startup ELGRA which we facilitated. As a result of this match, the two parties are now exploring how they can grow the highly carbon-sequestering miscanthus plant and turn it into a local and circular building material that can be used in AM’s development projects.

Another key factor in overcoming these hurdles is the scalability of local material resources. While traditional construction relies heavily on globally sourced materials, startups like Fairm are pioneering innovative solutions that utilize local waste streams and crop types to create versatile building materials. By tailoring these materials to regional abundance, we can minimize resource depletion, reduce transportation emissions, and potentially increase price competitiveness.

At Impact Hub Amsterdam, we’re working with the pioneers (from start-ups to corporates) in biobased material innovations to help them overcome their barriers to scale. Let’s work together to build a more regenerative world!

This article was written by Innovate Analyst, Gabriella Blakstad