Eco-SIPS

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are made of wheat and rice straw.

Brad Staggs: If you haven't heard of Compressed Agricultural Fiberboard listen up. Now you may never had need or desire to use it in your construction business but the story makes for some great water cooler conversation. These Structural Insulated Panels or SIPs are made from compressed wheat and rice straw, a material generally thrown away of plowed under after an initial harvest in a farmer's field. The process was actually invented in Sweden in 1935, it's been around in this country for a little more than a decade. Now according to some estimates more than a quarter million structures have been built in Europe using these panels. A company in Wichita, Kansas began using the panels in the late 90s to build high-end horse barns in the equine facilities. Now to create the panel, rice and wheat straw are harvested at an additional profit of around 20 bucks a ton to the farmer. Now remember, he was going to throw this stuff out. Its then cleaned and put through a heating process at close to 400 degrees. At this point a naturally occurring glue within the straw acts as a binding agent so not other chemicals are added. It's then sandwiched between two OSB Panels to create the wall. Window and door openings are created at this stage. Now the final product is called Agriboard. Agriboard Industries is owned by Orion Development Company in Wichita. They have a lot more information on this product on their website and you can contact them with any specific questions you may have. Like I said you might not have thought about using this unique product in your business but when you consider the green benefits and cost savings that it could mean, you may change your mind. Just remember where you heard it first. For HGTVpro.com I'm Brad Staggs.