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Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Cambium is a portfolio company at Climate Capital Climate Capital where Kirthika Padmanabhan works as a Principal.
CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.
On today’s episode, Ben Christensen, founder of Cambium, joins CC Pod with host Kirthika to discuss Carbon Smart™ wood—transforming waste into sustainable materials at scale.
Wood is ubiquitous in our lives, from the floors we walk on to the furniture we use. However, the traditional wood supply chain is fraught with inefficiencies and environmental concerns. Currently, the U.S. consumes about 60 billion board feet of lumber annually, and a staggering 58% of this could potentially be replaced with reclaimed wood. Yet, less than 1% of wood used today is recycled. This presents a massive opportunity for Cambium to step in and make a significant impact.
Ben explains that the wood industry often relies on virgin timber, which can lead to deforestation and other unsustainable practices. Cambium aims to substitute this with salvaged wood—material that is currently wasted but can be repurposed. The company focuses on three main sources of reclaimed wood: unmanaged urban forests, deconstructed buildings, and biomass from forest management practices aimed at reducing fire hazards.
Cambium's mission is to simplify the use of waste materials at scale. To achieve this, the company is building a robust supply chain platform that connects large buyers—such as architects, builders, and furniture manufacturers—with reclaimed wood sources. Some key technological components of Cambium's approach:
Supply Chain Management: Cambium is developing technology to streamline the logistics of sourcing, moving, and processing reclaimed wood. This includes tools for lumber and sawmill industries to manage their inventory and capture waste wood effectively.
Data Analytics: By creating a data layer that tracks material movement through the supply chain, Cambium can provide live carbon reporting. This transparency allows stakeholders to make informed decisions about sourcing and sustainability.
Local Processing: One of the critical innovations is the focus on local processing of reclaimed wood. By reducing the distance wood travels—often from thousands of miles to just 20 miles—Cambium minimizes carbon emissions associated with transportation.
Circular Economy: Cambium emphasizes full circularity in its operations. The company not only aims to reuse wood but also reinvests in new tree planting initiatives, ensuring that the cycle of sustainability continues.
Cambium has achieved several significant milestones since its inception, including a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $18,000 by selling cutting boards made from reclaimed wood. The company has also received grants to explore the potential of urban wood waste and has begun processing millions of board feet of material from waste streams.
Looking ahead, Cambium plans to scale its operations nationally, focusing on expanding its supply chains and enhancing its technology platform. Ben emphasizes the importance of internal processes and effective communication as the company grows, ensuring that they can maintain high standards of sustainability and efficiency.
To learn more about Cambium, visit https://cambiumcarbon.com/.
