Climate smart construction with paper studs

Paper studs from Wood Tube can help reduce the negative environmental impact.

There is a revolutionizing new product on its way into the construction industry; lightweight studs made of wood-based pulp. The new stud improves the working environment for carpenters and contributes to a more sustainable construction process. “One stud made from metal has the same carbon dioxide emissions as fourteen made of paper,” says Tobias Söderbom Olsson at Wood Tube.

The Swedish innovators Kurt Härdig and Patrik Kämpe wanted to reduce the construction industry’s negative impact on the environment. They had an idea of using paper to manufacture studs and after extensive testing that showed good strength and potential, the company Wood Tube was founded. Later Tobias Söderbom Olsson joined the innovative team.

Now, Wood Tube is a new member of the world leading bioeconomy cluster Paper Province and is very close to launching its patented product on the market.

Many advantages

Wood Tube’s studs can be used in many ways but are especially suited for building interior walls and furniture.

“The client will get an environmentally friendly construction, the construction company saves money and the carpenter gets a better working environment,” says Tobias Söderbom Olsson and continues:

“The studs are cost effective, climate smart, and to work with. The carpenters avoid heavy lifting, sawdust in the workplace and cutting injuries that are otherwise common when working with metal studs.”

Production around the corner

Currently the studs are manufactured in Germany, using raw material from Sweden. But Wood Tube is about to establish production in Sweden, in the Värmland region, that is rich in both forests and pulp and paper mills.

“We ended up in Germany because the machine manufacturer is based there. But we want to move production closer to home as soon as possible.”

Making a difference

Making a positive contribution to the climate is important for Wood Tube. A life-cycle analysis made with help from Karlstad University showed that the paper stud emits fourteen times less carbon dioxide than a similar one made of sheet metal.

“Studs are used in large volumes so we can make a real difference here. A lot of carbon dioxide is emitted when producing steel, as opposed to our product. And when it comes to replacing wood, the advantage with our studs is that less material is needed. Wood is a great material, but you need to think about where to use it best, as in load-bearing structures or where you can see and experience it – instead of hiding it inside a wall,” says Tobias Söderbom Olsson.

Contact Wood Tube for more information

Tobias Söderbom Olsson
+46 73 715 01 55
tobias@woodtube.se
info@woodtube.se

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