In a bid to combat the environmental repercussions of tree cutting and stubble burning, Chennai-based entrepreneur B.L. Bengani took it upon himself to pioneer a new sustainable alternative. After two years of extensive research and an investment of several lakhs, he successfully developed a zero-wood board utilizing agricultural husk as a substitute for traditional plywood.

In 2019, Bengani unveiled his brainchild – Indowud NFC (Natural Fibre Composite Board). This innovative product boasts a plethora of eco-friendly attributes; it’s termite-proof, waterproof, flame retardant, 100% recyclable, and can be effortlessly shaped and molded. What sets it apart is its ingenious blend of agricultural husk, minerals, PVC resin (imported from Japan and South Korea), and other components.

With over four decades of experience in the plywood industry, Bengani recognized the pressing need for an alternative that circumvented tree cutting. His journey began in the 1980s in a plywood shop and eventually led to the establishment of his own company, Uni-ply Industries, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange in 1996.

The turning point came in 2014-15 when the Myanmar government prohibited the export of round timber logs, disrupting the supply chain. This prompted Bengani to contemplate a sustainable, eco-friendly substitute. Simultaneously, he was acutely aware of the detrimental impact of tree felling on the environment, especially in the wake of a Business Standard report indicating a 14% reduction in India’s tree cover during the pandemic.

The solution, Bengani realized, was right in his own backyard – the fields adjacent to his factory. Agricultural waste burning was a major concern in North India, contributing significantly to New Delhi’s life-threatening air quality index (AQI). Bengani’s vision was to pioneer an alternative to wood that upheld quality without compromising on sustainability.

Thus, in 2017, the groundwork for this revolutionary product began. It took nearly two years of meticulous experimentation with raw materials, involving an investment of over Rs 20 lakhs and the wear and tear of several machines. Even after commencing production in 2019, nearly eight months were dedicated to fine-tuning the product. Indowud NFC sources husk from local farmers and rice mills, strategically located within a 10 km radius of their Gummidipoondi factory.

Given that paddy cultivation occurs year-round in Tamil Nadu, the supply of husk remains consistently abundant, creating an additional revenue stream for farmers. Unlike plywood, Indowud NFC can be seamlessly molded and shaped into any form. It is also well-suited for exterior applications, providing a versatile alternative to Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC).

Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, the product was successfully launched in late 2021 and has garnered positive feedback. Indowud NFC has found its way to Australia, New Zealand, Oman, and is on track for exports to the US. Partner at architectureRed, Kishore Pannikar, commended the product’s versatility, durability, and sustainability, emphasizing its adaptability to various surfaces.

Remarkably, by utilizing agricultural husk, Indowud NFC has already saved an estimated 20,000 trees from being felled. Bengani’s commitment to environmental preservation is evident in the company’s decision not to patent their product. Instead, they encourage collaboration, inviting others to join the mission towards a more sustainable future.

Bengani sees Indowud NFC as a stepping stone in the journey towards environmental conservation and hopes that more individuals will join him in this crucial endeavor.