Made of Air transforms wood waste to into carbon-negative compounds and panels to replace materials such as fossil-based plastics and aluminium. These materials lock in more carbon in their production than they release. Made of Air uses waste sawdust or woodchips, which would usually release the CO2 sequestered by the trees back into the environment, to produce biochar. Biochar is a pyrolyzed biomass with a high carbon content traditionally used as a soil fertilizer.
Heating the biomass at high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment locks in the CO2 sequestered from the atmosphere, creating the biochar. The next step combines the biochar with sustainable biopolymers to create pellets, which can be formed into products such as panels for the built environment or injection-moulded consumer products.
The company’s focus is on building materials since the built environment contributes to 40% of global emissions, with 11% relating to construction materials. Recent developments include creating rainscreen panels for Audi and a partnership with building material manufacturer Arktura. Made of Air
