INTERVIEW: Miles Gathright is co-founder of Boardwurks Biocomposites, a Florida-based innovator creating carbon-smart development panels created from hemp hurd and recycled composites. With greater than twenty years within the efficiency composites business, Gathright brings deep technical experience and a sustainability-first mindset to the problem of changing standard supplies with pure, round alternate options.

HempToday: Boardwurks is clearly rooted in sustainability. What downside had been you attempting to resolve while you began the corporate?

Miles Gathright: Boardwurks was based to deal with a vital hole in sustainable development supplies. Conventional composites and constructing panels are closely reliant on fossil fuels and poisonous adhesives, contributing considerably to carbon emissions and landfill waste. We noticed a chance to show waste into worth by upcycling decommissioned wind turbine blades, derelict fiberglass from marine vessels, and agricultural byproducts like bagasse and corn stover. We additionally centered on purpose-grown sustainable crops like hemp, kenaf, and miscanthus, which not solely sequester carbon however thrive with low environmental influence. Our mission is to remodel these waste streams and sustainable fibers into high-performance, carbon-smart development supplies that problem standard particleboard and MDF in each sturdiness and sustainability.

HT: You’ve labored in composites for greater than 20 years. How did hemp enter the image?

MG: Hemp entered the image as a part of our dedication to discovering sustainable and renewable feedstocks that carry out. Its distinctive energy, fast progress cycle, and skill to sequester carbon made it a perfect materials for our composite panels. After we checked out decarbonizing our footprint with out sacrificing efficiency, hemp stood out as an ideal answer. Integrating hemp hurd into our thermocompression course of allowed us to provide panels which are stronger, lighter, and way more sustainable than standard alternate options.

HT: The hemp sector usually struggles with high quality and provide consistency. How are you managing these challenges?

MG: We’ve tackled this head-on by establishing long-term partnerships with decorticators and farmers. Our provide agreements prioritize high quality management and sustainable farming practices. We additionally diversify our sourcing with a regional technique: partnering with processors in areas the place hemp manufacturing is secure and rising. This layered strategy ensures we preserve constant high quality and provide, even throughout market fluctuations.

HT: From a sustainability perspective, how does Hempboard evaluate to conventional particleboard or MDF?

MG: Hempboard units a brand new customary for sustainable development. In contrast to conventional particleboard or MDF, which depend on formaldehyde-based adhesives and fossil-fuel-derived resins, Hempboard is made with pure fibers and eco-friendly binders. It’s formaldehyde-free, water resistant, and stronger per weight. Moreover, the hemp we use sequesters vital quantities of carbon throughout its progress, making Hempboard not simply carbon-neutral, however carbon-negative. It’s an answer that’s higher for the surroundings with out compromising on efficiency.

HT: Do you see the way forward for biocomposites as competing with standard supplies—or displacing them solely?

MG: We see biocomposites as extra than simply competitors—they’re the way forward for sustainable constructing. As demand for low-carbon supplies grows, conventional particleboard and MDF are shedding floor. With developments in processing and provide chain effectivity, biocomposites like Hempboard and our DerelictBOARD created from reclaimed FRP are poised to switch these standard supplies outright. We’re dedicated to driving that shift by means of innovation and scalability.

HT: What sorts of patrons or industries are displaying probably the most curiosity in your supplies proper now?

MG: Presently, we’re seeing robust demand from non-structural purposes the place sustainability is a core precedence. Proper now, the first hurdle is certification for structural purposes beneath Worldwide Constructing Code (IBC) and Worldwide Residential Code (IRC). Pursuing these certifications is a high precedence for Boardwurks, and we’re collaborating with tutorial companions to expedite testing and validation. Attaining IBC and IRC approval is crucial for broader market adoption, together with big-box retailers and structural insulated panel (SIP) producers. This effort is important, not only for us however for the complete biocomposite business.

HT: How vital is regional fiber provide to the Boardwurks mannequin—and the way do you view the expansion of U.S. hemp processing?

MG: Regional fiber provide is prime to our mannequin. Our “75-Bale Mile Radius” technique means positioning microplants adjoining to first-transformation decorticators or waste stream processors to reduce transport emissions and processing prices. We’re working with native agricultural waste streams—bagasse in Florida, corn stover within the Midwest— and mixing them with higher-value, purpose-grown supplies An thrilling growth we’re pioneering is our “super-hybrid” composites, which mix carbon-sequestering pure fibers like hemp with reclaimed FRP from decommissioned wind turbine blades. This innovation is setting a brand new customary for sustainable, high-performance constructing supplies. We see the expansion of U.S. hemp processing as essential to scaling this mannequin, supporting native economies whereas decreasing carbon footprints.

HT: Lastly, what recommendation would you give to different innovators trying to convey hemp-based merchandise to market?

MG: My recommendation is to prioritize high quality and consistency in your provide chain. The hemp business remains to be maturing, and the most important gaps proper now are in processing and fiber high quality. Work carefully with farmers and processors, construct relationships that prioritize sustainable practices, and don’t lower corners on materials testing. Additionally, be ready to put money into certifications – gaining market acceptance requires assembly stringent requirements, and that’s a problem price tackling head-on.