Indian Company Takes Sustainability to Another Level, Turning Rice Husk into Water-Resistant, Fire-Resistant, Termite-Proof Wood Without Formaldehyde and With High Structural Durability

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 03/01/2026 at 11:54

As placas da Indowud são feitas com cascas de arroz e aglutinantes poliméricos — Foto: Indowud/Divulgação

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Indian Company Transforms Rice Husks Into Structural Boards, Launches Product In 2018, Eliminates Wood Use, Reduces Emissions And Expands Sales To United States, Europe, Middle East And Asia

In the sustainable construction scene, the Indian company Induwod developed, from agricultural waste, an alternative material to wood that came to market in 2018 and is now exported to several countries, combining industrial innovation, lower environmental impact, and diverse architectural applications.

The Induwod proposal is based on repurposing rice husks, which were previously treated only as agricultural waste, transformed into structural boards aimed at construction and design.

According to Lokeshwar Raj, the material emerged after research that combined rice husks with polymer binders and advanced industrial extrusion technology.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Initial Tests And Technical Properties

During initial tests with different materials, the team quickly identified the technical potential of rice husks as a structural base.

Among the observed properties were natural impermeability, resistance to termites, flame retardancy, and smoke suppression in indoor and outdoor environments.

These characteristics paved the way for applications in architecture and construction, expanding use beyond conventional decorative solutions.

Composition And Environmental Impact

Induwod combines rice husks with eco-friendly polymer binders and additives, according to information from the company itself.

According to Lokeshwar, the material has zero emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds and does not use formaldehyde-based chemicals.

These factors make the product safe for the ecosystem and suitable for projects that require strict environmental criteria.

Additionally, the material contains no wood content, reinforcing its proposal for complete sustainability and a circular economy.

Commercial Launch And Performance

Induwod’s so-called wood officially hit the market in 2018, after years of technical development and testing under real-use conditions.

The aim, according to the company, was to create a durable product that would replace traditional wood without compromising structural performance.

Among the highlighted attributes are fire resistance, antibacterial action, termite protection, and ease of industrial molding.

Durability And Applications

Impermeability allows use in outdoor areas, preventing rotting and increasing lifespan compared to natural wood.

Lokeshwar states that maintenance requirements are minimal, even in environments subject to intense climatic variations.

The line includes boards, doors, frames, hollow panels, decks, flooring, ribbed panels, finishes, fences, and structural beams.

The products feature a natural neutral tone and can be painted, stained, polished, or coated with various finishes according to the project.

Expansion And Global Acceptance Of Rice Husk Wood

Several years after the launch, Induwod ceased to be a local startup and began operating as a global company.

In addition to India, the products are marketed in the United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, Maldives, Turkey, and countries in the Middle East.

Architects and designers highlight stability, sustainability, and the possibility of thermoforming, printing, and CNC machining for creative freedom.

The cost is similar to that of high-quality plywood, with better cost-effectiveness in the long run due to durability and low maintenance.

As additional information, the company points out frequent applications in hotels, airports, resorts, residences, landscaping, and commercial spaces.

With information from Casa e Jardim.

Indian Company Takes Sustainability to Another Level, Turning Rice Husk into Water-Resistant, Fire-Resistant, Termite-Proof Wood Without Formaldehyde and With High Structural Durability

Indian Company Transforms Rice Husks Into Structural Boards, Launches Product In 2018, Eliminates Wood Use, Reduces Emissions And Expands Sales To United States, Europe, Middle East And Asia

Initial Tests And Technical Properties

Composition And Environmental Impact

Commercial Launch And Performance

Durability And Applications

Expansion And Global Acceptance Of Rice Husk Wood

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Indian Company Takes Sustainability to Another Level, Turning Rice Husk into Water-Resistant, Fire-Resistant, Termite-Proof Wood Without Formaldehyde and With High Structural Durability

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Composition And Environmental Impact

Commercial Launch And Performance

Durability And Applications

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