The global demand for wood could grow by 54% between 2010 and 2050, according to a study by the World Resources Institute. While steel can be consistently recycled back into the supply chain, wood has not been as fortunate. But that’s where Cambium comes in.
“Cambium looks to build the supply chain that keeps wood from being wasted by connecting those with already-been-used wood to the businesses and folks that need it.”
Founded in 2019 and based in Washington D.C., Cambium aims to revolutionize the wood industry by creating a sustainable and efficient supply chain. Co-founder and CEO Ben Christensen explained in a recent interview on TechCrunch’s Found podcast that currently, only 5% to 10% of wood gets reused, with the rest ending up in landfills or turned into mulch.
“We’re building a better value chain where you can use local material, you can use salvaged material, and all of that is connected through our technology,” said Christensen. “So that’s what we do – we deliver carbon smart wood, locally salvaged wood, tracked on our technology, to large buyers for building projects, furniture making, and any other use for wood. And we do it in a highly efficient and cost-competitive manner.”
Cambium’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as more and more businesses are seeking sustainable wood options. “Demand for more sustainable wood has been growing in recent years,” Christensen noted. “But before Cambium, there wasn’t a good system to find recycled wood. Cambium fixes that and more.”
The company offers a software platform that not only connects buyers and sellers of recycled wood, but also assists with inventory management and point of sale for suppliers. This allows businesses to have better visibility into where their wood is coming from and make more environmentally friendly choices.
“People really want to buy this material. We’ve been overwhelmed with demand, which helps us source and increase the volume on our platform to meet that demand,” said Christensen.
In addition to the increasing demand for sustainable wood, Cambium has also benefited from a generational shift. “As the older generation in construction and wood-related trades retires, the next generation is looking to adopt technology and be more environmentally friendly,” Christensen added.
The startup has already made a significant impact in the wood industry, raising over $8.5 million in funding from various venture capitalists, including The Alumni Fund, Gaingels, and MaC Venture Capital. With its innovative technology and dedication to sustainability, Cambium is set to continue its success and make a positive impact on the environment.
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