Why your next road might be made from trees [NZ]

Friday 31 Jul 2026

 
We take it for granted - but if you were to ask a scientist to build you a new material that was as strong and versatile as wood, but using only air, water, and sunlight, they’d laugh you out of the room.

But one Kiwi start-up thinks it has cracked the formula to harness the strength and pliability of trees to pave our streets - potentially securing a critical part of our supply chain while slashing emissions.

Founded in Gisborne in 2024, start-up Futurity has invented LIMA, a chemical derived from lignin, a natural plant byproduct of the paper-making process.

While lignin has many potential applications, the first one out of the gate aims to replace something you probably drove over on your way to work today.

More >>

Source: Stuff
Image credit: Futurity

---

Interviews: 
Share |


Copyright 2004-2026 © Innovatek Ltd. All rights reserved.