The Future of Wood: Cambium‘s Sustainable Solution
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The global demand for wood is projected to surge by a staggering 54% between 2010 and 2050, according to a study by the World Resources Institute. While materials like steel enjoy consistent recycling back into the supply chain, wood often doesn’t share this fate. Cambium aims to change that.
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Recycled Wood with Demand
Cambium envisions a circular economy for wood by connecting those with already-used wood to businesses and individuals who need it. Cambium co-founder and CEO Ben Christensen recently revealed on TheTrendyType’s Found podcast that only 5% to 10% of wood gets reused today, with most ending up in landfills or as mulch. This presents a significant opportunity for sustainable practices.
“We’re building a better value chain where you can use local materials, salvaged materials, and all of that is connected through our technology,” Christensen stated. “So what we do is we deliver carbon-smart wood, locally salvaged wood, tracked on our technology, to large buyers to build structures, furniture, or anything else that uses wood. And we do this in a very efficient and cost-effective manner.”
A Growing Demand for Sustainable Choices
Christensen noted that the demand for more sustainable wood has been steadily increasing in recent years. However, before Cambium, there wasn’t a system to easily find recycled wood. Cambium addresses this gap by connecting businesses with recycled wood and showcasing the demand for their products. They also offer software solutions that assist with inventory management and point-of-sale operations for these suppliers.
Transparency and Reduced Carbon Footprint
Cambium empowers consumers to gain better visibility into the origin of their wood, further reducing their carbon footprint by choosing local vendors. Christensen emphasized, “People really, really want to buy this material. We’ve been overwhelmed with demand, which helps us get sourcing and volume onto the platform to meet that demand.”
Embracing Technological Innovation
Cambium has also benefited from a generational shift in the construction and wood-related industries. Younger generations entering these fields are more inclined to adopt technology and prioritize environmental consciousness. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Washington D.C., Cambium has raised over $8.5 million in funding from prominent venture capitalists, including The Alumni Fund, Gaingels, and MaC Venture Capital.
