10 April 2024 – The World Resources Institute predicts a 54% increase in wood demand between 2010 and 2050. Wood is not recycled like steel. Cambium aims to change that. To reduce wood waste, Cambium connects people with leftover wood to businesses and individuals who need it. Cambium co-founder and CEO Ben Christensen told TechCrunch’s Found podcast that only 5% to 10% of wood is repurposed, with the rest going to landfills or mulch.
Christensen stated, “We’re building a better value chain where you can use local material, salvaged material, and all linked through our technology.” “We deliver carbon-smart wood, locally salvaged wood, tracked on our technology, to large buyers who build buildings, furniture, and anything else you use wood for. Our method is efficient and cost-effective.”
Christensen said demand for sustainable wood has been rising, but before Cambium, there was no viable way to acquire recovered wood. He stated Cambium repairs more. The company shows reclaimed wood producers the demand for their products and sells its inventory management and point-of-sale software.
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Christensen said that the company has benefited from a generational transition as construction companies and wood-related crafts retire and the following generation adopts technology and becomes more ecologically friendly. Cambium, based in Washington, D.C., was launched in 2019. The Startup has raised over $8.5 million from VCs such as The Alumni Fund, Gaingels, and MaC Venture Capital.
