Papembood: recycled, renewable and remarkable : DesignWanted

Jun 30, 2025

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Materially helps companies in the development and promotion of sustainable innovation starting from materials. We work with a focus on circular economy and materials innovation through a design thinking approach. Our team’s expertise and our network rely on 20+ years of international projects and experiences.

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Papembood

In the realm of design, the quest for sustainable materials is more pressing than ever. In this context, new alternatives to MDF and composite panels emerge, bringing innovation and new challenges in well-established, often traditional sectors, such as Papembood.

As the brand name suggests, it is a material crafted starting from recycled paper and bamboo, characterized by high mechanical performances and distinctive aesthetics. Featuring the same elasticity of birch plywood, it can also be completely disassembled and recycled at the end of its life.

Papembood is a multilayer panel derived from the layering of recycled cardboard paper and bamboo wood. The combination of bamboo, a fast-growing and renewable resource, with recycled paper, reduces the reliance on virgin wood pulp and is one step further in minimizing deforestation. The material is customizable in terms of color finishes and thickness, making it suitable for various design applications.

This innovative material boasts several notable properties, including high mechanical resistance and sturdiness, which make it a great solution for structural functions. It has a modulus of elasticity:of 10.032 N/mm2 and 7.348 N/mm2 in the longitudinal and transverse direction, respectively, which is comparable to that of birch wood. It is durable with a density comparable to MDF panels. The panels are also disassemblable and recyclable, aligning with circular economy principles, contributing to the reduction of waste streams and the consumption of virgin raw materials.

Papembood’s versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of applications:

Papembood represents a significant step forward in sustainable material innovation. Its combination of bamboo and recycled paper, merging the potential of a renewable resource and secondary raw materials from various waste streams, offers a viable alternative to traditional materials, reducing environmental impact while guaranteeing reliable performance standards. For creatives and designers, Papembood provides a versatile and eco-friendly option that supports sustainable design practices.

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