There’s something magical about turning the leftovers of one industry into a treasure for another. This story highlights the creativity and heart of a company transforming discarded rice husks into a sustainable building material that doesn’t just protect homes, but also the planet.

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, a company called Modern Mill is making waves with its innovative product, ACRE. This new material, crafted from upcycled rice husks, not only brings a touch of warmth to homes but also champions environmental responsibility.

Imagine every year, in the United States alone, farmers produce a staggering 20 billion pounds of rice. While most of this grain is consumed, the tough outer shells, or husks, often end up in landfills. However, Modern Mill saw a different potential in these overlooked remnants.

By harnessing the natural properties of rice husks—rich in lignin, a polymer also found in wood—Modern Mill has created ACRE, a high-performance substitute for traditional wood that spares thousands of trees from being cut down. So far, they’ve diverted around 4,000 tons of rice husks away from waste disposal.

But ACRE isn’t just eco-friendly; it also mimics the aesthetics of beautiful tropical hardwoods like teak and cedar. Whether used for siding, decking, fencing, or decorative accents, it brings a rustic charm to any home, while standing strong and durable.

What’s truly remarkable is that using just one pallet of ACRE can save an entire acre of tropical rainforest! In 2022, Modern Mill delivered over 44,000 pallets to builders across the nation, a significant step toward greener construction.

This innovative material is not only budget-friendly, with costs ranging from $10 to $12 per square foot for most projects, but it also gained recognition when Modern Mill was named one of Fast Company Magazine’s Most Innovative Companies in 2023.

In a further display of compassion, Modern Mill recently stepped up to support victims of the devastating Palisades fires in California, donating siding to 20 families to aid in their recovery. Chris Guimond, the CEO, expressed heartfelt support for the communities affected: “Our hearts are with the families and communities affected by the wildfires. We’re doing everything we can to help support relief efforts.”

ACRE is not just a product; it’s a lifeline, certified to meet California’s fire code standards and ensuring safety in regions prone to high fire hazards.

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