COMPANY NAME PEDONE WORKING SRL
COUNTRY Italy
SECTOR Construction
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL Recovery and Recycling
CHALLENGE
The construction sector is under increasing pressure to adopt low-carbon building materials that reduce environmental impacts without compromising technical performance or industrial feasibility. However, many bio-based products still rely on imported raw materials, while large quantities of agricultural residues, such as rice husks and miscanthus, remain underutilised despite their high potential. AGROBLOCK addressed this challenge by developing an innovative building material capable of valorising these locally available biomass resources, promoting a circular approach while reducing the environmental footprint of the construction supply chain.
SOLUTION
AGRO-BLOCK developed an innovative bio-based building block by combining hemp shives, rice husks, and miscanthus with natural mineral binders through a low-energy manufacturing process fully compatible with existing industrial production lines. The project included raw-material characterisation, formulation optimisation, laboratory validation, industrial-scale prototype production, and a comprehensive testing campaign. The developed materials were evaluated through mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, freeze-thaw durability, fire reaction, acoustic performance, and thermographic monitoring tests, delivering promising results and demonstrating their potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional masonry products.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES/BUSINESS MODEL IMPLEMENTED
The project implemented a circular business model based on the valorisation of locally available agricultural by-products, transforming underutilised biomass into high-value construction materials. The use of rice husks and miscanthus reduces the consumption of virgin raw materials and dependence on imported resources while strengthening regional agricultural value chains. The compatibility of the new formulations with existing manufacturing facilities enables rapid industrial adoption without requiring significant investments in new equipment. Furthermore, the developed materials are designed with end-of-life circularity in mind, as they can potentially be mechanically recycled and reused as secondary raw materials, contributing to waste reduction and more efficient resource use.
IMPACT
AGRO-BLOCK demonstrated the technical and industrial feasibility of manufacturing bio-based building blocks incorporating locally sourced agricultural biomass, successfully validating the entire development pathway from material design to fullscale prototype production. The project delivered promising results in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation, durability, and fire performance, providing a solid foundation for future product certification and market introduction. In addition, AGROBLOCK strengthens regional supply chains, supports the reduction of carbon emissions associated with construction materials, and promotes the adoption of innovative circular solutions for a more sustainable built environment.
KEY TAKEAWAY
AGRO-BLOCK demonstrates that agricultural residues such as rice husks and miscanthus can be transformed into high-performance construction materials through innovative material design and industrially compatible manufacturing processes. By integrating circular economy principles, local resource valorisation, and industrial scalability, the project provides a replicable model for developing sustainable construction products while creating new opportunities for both the construction and agricultural sectors.