Copano
Ecological Insulation Panel
Our Project
The project consists of setting up a factory for a local, low-tech, carbon-sequestering insulation. The material will be produced cold, by sewing, without glue or additives, from locally produced hemp straw.
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Our Vision
Ecological, efficient, fire resistant, and a coating support, straw bales are a widely available agricultural by-product that stores carbon and does not release any waste at the end of its life.
The Plan
The first step is to create a working low tech prototype.
The straw panel is close to the traditional wood and earth construction habits: flat and easy to cut, it allows to free itself from the industrial panels like OSB and Placo-plaster, whose prices have soared lately!
The Copano project starts with a factory model that one can reproduce wherever necessary (See Long Term Impact).
What we need to do
The raw material supply chain is assured, and the test sites are promising.
We acquired the machine back in March, and we are in a mechanical experimentation phase with engineers and mechanics.
Want to make this project a success?
Join us and the project team on the Discord app to start a parlay, ask questions about the project and gift them your thoughts.
Right now, they’d love to know if they can improve their project in any way!
Why do we need your help
This initiative will require funding for:
Conception/drawing of a prototype to improve the tools, from existing agricultural machines.
Realization of the prototype, with the help of mechanical engineers. It is a question of inventing a system of distribution of the homogeneous straw before the system of seam/compression.
First tests in laboratory, to characterize the product and measure its performances.
Impact
A low-tech process, sober and economical.
The manufacturing process is done by sewing, without glue or additives. Even the thread can be made of hemp or linen! for a 100% bio-sourced panel.
The sewing machine needed for the project is originally designed to make tatami mats. It consumes little electricity, and is relatively simple to maintain and repair.
Our Long Term Vision
Our long-term vision is to create a network of small but efficient factories throughout the country to limit the transport. Furthermore, each factory should be adapted to the plant fibers of the region to adapt the panel to the territory.