Typha - a new building material with multiple environmental and practical advantages

Germany holds an international leading position in the bio-based economy. The "National Research Strategy Bioeconomy 2030" is currently setting the stage for a bio-based transformation in industry and society. At the same time, the Chinese government aims to conclude with the 13th Five-Year-Plan (2016-2020) technological progress, improving the environment and increasing prosperity in the population and calls bio-technology a key to greater innovation. The bio-based transformation gains increased attention in architecture and in the construction industry, too. However, it would fall short just to replace conventional construction materials with those from renewable resources. In fact, it is crucial to embrace the concept of sustainable material cycle systems, from cradle to cradle, which are regionally enrooted and make use of the plant's characteristics for the creation of smart construction materials. The development of a new construction material made from cattail (Latin: Typha) with multiple environmental and practical advantages is a positive example in this regard.