Elementic, a Finnish company, recently introduced MO6, a pioneering wall-surfacing material crafted from forestry industry by-products. These tiles, primarily composed of carbon-sequestering material, are designed to revolutionize sustainable building practices by incorporating environmentally friendly elements.
MO6’s debut collection, MO6 Eternal, was unveiled at the Habitare trade fair, marking a significant step in eco-friendly construction. The company asserts that MO6 is the most carbon-negative building material globally, with carbon molecules constituting 90% of its makeup.
The Role of Carbon-Storing Material
The secret to MO6’s innovation lies in its use of lignin, a challenging by-product of the timber industry. Traditionally burnt for energy, lignin is reimagined through a patented process where oxygen and other impurities are removed, resulting in a fire-resistant compound with a striking aesthetic.
“We love lignin because it’s a carbon-rich resource,” explains MO6 general manager Johanna Normiala. The manufacturing process involves transforming lignin into a dough-like form that hardens into a durable yet lightweight tile, demonstrating the efficiency of using this method.
MO6 has begun deliveries for installations, including a Parisian spa, with future plans to expand its use in hotels and restaurants. Currently intended for dry interiors, the brand is exploring potential applications, including bricks for wider construction use, leveraging these compounds for varied environments.
For more on eco-friendly design approaches, explore how Casa Etérea offers a unique take on sustainable architecture with its mirrored off-grid construction.
With properties rivaling that of wood, MO6 aims to enhance its thermal and acoustic efficiency through further development. The concept of being carbon-negative means more carbon dioxide is removed than emitted—an essential criterion in reducing the construction industry’s carbon footprint, further highlighting the benefits of this innovative material.
Looking at similar initiatives, consider how Kenji Abe uses aluminum waste to create stone-like sculptures, furthering the mission of material innovation.
Each kilogram of MO6 stores about 2.4 kilograms of atmospheric carbon dioxide, significantly surpassing wood’s capabilities. Promising long-lasting storage, MO6’s material does not decompose and is easily recyclable, suggesting a potential lifespan of thousands of years.
The innovative use of lignin positions MO6 as a leader in sustainable materials, drawing parallels with other carbon-focused innovations explored in the Carbon revolution series. As MO6 continues its journey, its developments are keenly watched by environmentalists and architects alike, who are interested in such advancements.
Elementic’s MO6 demonstrates how a sustainable future can emerge from industry leftovers, paving the way for significant advances in carbon reduction strategies.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is MO6 made from?
MO6 is made from by-products of the forestry industry, primarily composed of a carbon-sequestering material called lignin.
How much atmospheric carbon dioxide does MO6 store?
Each kilogram of MO6 stores about 2.4 kilograms of atmospheric carbon dioxide, significantly surpassing wood’s capabilities.
What is the intended use for MO6 tiles?
MO6 tiles are currently intended for dry interiors, with future potential applications including bricks for wider construction use.