Green Spot

What the heck is “Liquid Wood” you ask? You can watch that video in the link, or you can take a gander at this post and we’ll try to do our best to explain what it’s all about in a few short sentences. A German company called Arboform has devised a thermoplastic material made from 100% recycled materials to try and take the place of wood in many applications such as housing, furniture and more. Not only do they want to reduce deforestation, but they claim that the product biodegrades as would wood when thrown away, and would potentially replace a huge amount of the world’s plastic needs and production of plastic with oil too.

The material starts at about $1.70 USD per pound, whereas normal plastic costs about $0.70 to $3 a pound USD currently (estimate based on July 2010 pricing). The higher cost reflects why it may never become mainstream even though it is also made from a byproduct of papermaking that has no use now. Do not expect it to replace plastic water bottles either, as it cannot be made see-through or even the color white. That hasn’t been a problem for our reusable water bottles though.

The product may also see usage in generating cars and buildings to, as they seem to carry a product line of more than just Arboform but also Arbofill and Arboblend, which are said to be stronger materials.

A subsidiary of Gucci has signed on to make some of its shoes from Arboform and there are plans for toys and computer housing/casing from the material as well. The main substance, Lignin, is taken from the cellulose of wood and Arboform is made from a lot of recycled wood pulp, paper and non-toxic resin that will never degrade in to the water table. Here’s more on the material:

“By mixing specific types of lignin [from post-consumer paper pulp] with natural fibres from wood, flax, hemp, sisal or other fibrous plants and natural additives a composition is produced which can be processed at raised temperatures [and utilized in many applications that call for plastic].”

Save the trees, reduce oil usage and plastic waste - get the word out that Arboform is here on the market to help the world go green.

German company 'Arboform' wants to reduce plastic and save trees.