Modern Mill, a company specializing in sustainable building products, has expanded its offering to include Acre. Made from recycled rice husks in a zero-waste manufacturing facility in Mississippi, Acre offers the warmth and workability of wood without the need to cut down trees.
Acre also does not emit volatile organic compounds, phenol, formaldehyde or chemicals. This separates Acre from plywood or other composite woods that may contain VOCs or formaldehyde.
The material is water, weather and pest resistant and can be used for a variety of applications including siding, siding, deck and porch boards, and panels for any other project needs. Acre is also a circular product that can be recycled after use.
The innovation is incredibly helpful in combating deforestation. While many consider wood to be a more environmentally friendly building material than cement or steel, harvesting wood is not carbon neutral, notes the World Resources Institute.
“If sustainable alternatives like Modern Mill capture the aesthetics and performance of wood…why should we continue to harvest trees for applications like siding, trim and decking?” Kim Guimond, chief marketing officer at Modern Mill, told Builder.
Globally, the construction industry contributes significantly to heat retention pollution that causes climate change. The United Nations Environment Program found that the construction sector accounted for about 37% of annual global pollution in 2023.
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According to the World Economic Forum, the construction sector is critical to combating the worst impacts of human-caused temperature rise, and efforts to decarbonize these sectors can lead to $1.8 trillion in global market opportunities.
As Modern Mill works to reduce pollution in construction, Acre was named Green Builder 2025 Sustainable Product of the Year, marking the company's second time on the list.
“Modern Mill is committed to developing sustainable building materials that not only meet the aesthetic and functional needs of our customers, but also make a positive contribution to the environment,” Guimond said in a press release.
Acre is available for purchase by anyone who wants to benefit from innovation in their construction projects.
“Modern Mill is the evolution of the best wood, the best PVC and ease of processing. … You can cut it, you can paint it, you can stain it, and it comes in all different profiles,” noted Chip Wade, expert craftsman and star designer, in a Modern Mill video.
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