Kirei Board Wood Alternative

“Beautiful,” “clean,” “pure,” and “truthful” are just some of the meanings ascribed to the Japanese adjective “kirei” (pronounced key-ray). Kirei board is an engineered panel product made from sorghum stalks left over after harvest. These stalks are first woven securely and then heat-pressed with no-added-urea-formaldehyde glue that does not emit toxic fumes. Here are some of the most frequent kirei board questions experts at the www.ecofriendlybuilder.com website are asked by visitors each month:

Is kirei board made from a renewable resource?
As mentioned earlier, kirei board is made from sorghum, a grass used mainly for farm animal fodder but also for food known as guinea corn, dura or kaoliang. The sorghum stalks used to be either thrown into landfills or burned, but when recycled, the material can be transformed into cabinets, flooring, wall coverings, ceilings and furniture.

What are the environmental benefits of kirei board?
Air pollution, forest clear-cutting and landfill use are three major ones. Kirei helps decrease waste and ease deforestation by substituting for wood. In addition, kirei board is made using a non-toxic adhesive that does not emit formaldehyde, so it is free of volatile organic compounds. Kirei is an excellent way to help your project qualify for LEED credit for environmentally friendly construction.

Is kirei expensive? Like bamboo and other “rapid renewables,” kirei is comparable in price and quality to composite and hardwood materials. Sustainable products like kirei also lend themselves to a more natural interior with lots of depth, quality, grain and splendor. Not only do you bring in the outside for a look that’s more natural, but you also fashion a space that becomes physically healthier when you stay away from products that emit volatile organic compounds.

Kirei turns a waste product into something beautiful and durable. If you’re considering eco-friendly products for your project, kirei is a great choice.