Lingrove's carbon-negative wood alternative branches out with $10M round
Summary
These days even niche industries have concerned souls looking for more eco-friendly options for materials and processes, from washing machine waste to artificial wool. Lingrove is taking on laminates thin layers of wood and other materials with a carbon-negative option that they claim performs better while looking as good.Laminates or veneers are common in every home and car: theyre the thin decorative wood or what have you that sits on top of the molded or printed body of a dashboard, appliance or even home trim. They call it ekoa yes, in lowercase and hope to make inroads in cars and other interior surfaces with a new $10 million funding round.The Series B round was led by Lewis & Clark Agrifood and Diamond Edge Ventures, with participation from Bunge Ventures and SOSV.The company contends that not only is its material better for the environment and as good or better in terms of strength and so on, but that it can positively affect air quality indoors. Recycled plastic and other repurposed materials are a popular use for things like cabinetry and trim, but they often lack the look, hardness or other qualities desirable for such surfaces, and in some cases can offgas considerable amounts (thats your new car smell).We have a healthy-air, low-carbon, high-performing and beautiful product, said CEO Joe Luttwak. Using post industrial feedstock can, in some cases, be positive for the environment; however many of those byproducts are still emitting VOCs [volatile organic compounds] which are detrimental for indoor air quality, and they are not able to be made into high-performing materials.ekoa materials perform well, dont seep weird gases into your kitchen or cars cabin and look a lot like regular wood.