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INGUMA · Project

Eco-friendly Bio-based Building Materials to Replace Fossil-based Construction Products

constructionTestedTRL 5

Imagine turning agricultural waste and wood scraps into high-performance building blocks. Instead of using plastic-based glues and mineral wool, this work creates insulation and panels from mushrooms and plant fibers. It's like upgrading a house to be a giant carbon-storing sponge that stays warm and looks great.

By the numbers
17
consortium partners
41%
industry ratio
5
TRL of bio-based adhesive
5
TRL of lignocellulosic fibers
5
TRL of resin-free wood-fibers insulation
The business problem

What needed solving

The construction sector relies heavily on mineral and fossil-based materials that emit high levels of greenhouse gases. There is a market gap for durable, industrial-scale bio-based alternatives that do not sacrifice performance or aesthetics.

The solution

What was built

A suite of bio-based products including formaldehyde-free adhesives, mycelium-based insulation, resin-free wood fiber boards, and green roof substrates.

Audience

Who needs this

Eco-friendly insulation manufacturersSustainable plywood producersGreen roof installation companiesCarbon-neutral architectural firms
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Sustainable Construction
mid-size
Target: Prefabricated Home Manufacturer

If you are a prefab builder dealing with high carbon footprints in your walls — this project developed structural insulation panels and bio-based adhesives that turn buildings into carbon sinks. This allows you to offer low-emission housing that meets strict environmental standards.

Green Infrastructure
SME
Target: Urban Landscaping Firm

If you are a landscaping company dealing with heavy, non-recyclable substrates for city roofs — this project developed bio-based substrates for green roofs. This reduces the environmental impact of urban cooling installations while using agricultural side streams.

Wood Processing
enterprise
Target: Plywood Producer

If you are a plywood manufacturer dealing with toxic formaldehyde regulations — this project developed a formaldehyde eco-friendly adhesive formulation. This improves sustainability and bonding strength for industrial-scale production.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the current cost or price of these bio-based materials?

Based on available project data, specific pricing and cost-per-unit information are not provided.

Can these materials be produced at an industrial scale?

Yes, the project specifically aims to develop these materials at an industrial level and includes an up-scaling step for all mentioned products.

How is the intellectual property or licensing handled?

Based on available project data, there is no specific mention of patent filings or licensing terms.

Do these materials comply with building regulations?

The materials are being tested according to European and international standards to facilitate commercialization, including in Canada.

When will the real-world demonstrations be completed?

The project period runs from 2024-01-01 to 2027-12-31, with demonstrations planned in Spain and Finland.

Consortium

Who built it

The project features a strong commercial orientation with 17 partners and a 41% industry ratio. With 7 industrial partners and 4 SMEs across 9 countries, the consortium is well-positioned to move research from the lab to the market, supported by 4 research centers and 2 universities.

How to reach the team

Contact Fundacion Tecnalia Research & Innovation in Spain

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to connect with the INGUMA consortium for bio-based material licensing.