The revolutionary transformation process begins with ordinary wood that undergoes a chemical treatment to partially remove lignin components from its cellular structure.12 This treated wood is then compressed, creating a dense material with enhanced strength properties through the formation of additional hydrogen bonds between cellulose molecules.3 Dr. Liangbing Hu, now a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, developed and patented this molecular-level transformation technique in 2018.45

Initially requiring more than a week to produce, Hu refined the manufacturing process to just a few hours, making commercial production viable.6 The technique essentially unlocks the incredible strength hidden in every tree, achieving 10-20x strength improvement by leveraging the natural properties of cellulose nanocrystals, which are stronger than carbon fiber.7 This process transforms ordinary basswood into the dark-colored "super wood" that maintains the natural grain patterns while delivering unprecedented structural performance.8

Compared to traditional building materials, Superwood offers an exceptional combination of properties that make it a game-changing alternative. The engineered timber is six times lighter than steel while providing 50% more tensile strength12, making it ideal for applications where weight reduction is critical. Its durability extends to high resistance against fire (achieving a Class A fire rating), rot, pests, and extreme weather conditions3.

Beyond structural advantages, Superwood maintains the aesthetic appeal of natural wood, preserving the warmth, texture, and distinctive grain patterns that architects and designers value3. This combination of performance characteristics-strength, lightness, durability, and visual appeal-positions the material to potentially disrupt construction industries traditionally dominated by steel and concrete, while offering the added benefit of being 100% biodegradable at the end of its lifecycle2.

Frederick, Maryland will host InventWood's 90,000 square-foot production facility, which is set to produce 1,000,000 square feet of Superwood annually starting in 2025.1 The company recently secured $15 million in the first close of its Series A funding round, bringing its total capital to over $50 million as it prepares for commercial shipments in Q3 2025.23

This significant milestone follows the company's strategic expansion of its commercialization capabilities, with the new headquarters established in Frederick County in March 2024.4 The funding will accelerate commercial partnerships and expand pilot production at their British Columbia facility.5 Under CEO Alex Lau's leadership, InventWood is positioning its revolutionary material to compete directly with traditional construction materials, targeting facade materials initially before expanding into decking, roofing, and eventually structural applications.

The carbon-negative nature of Superwood offers substantial environmental advantages over traditional building materials. By locking carbon within its structure and using sustainably sourced wood from responsibly managed American forests, the material helps reduce the construction industry's carbon footprint compared to the high emissions associated with steel and concrete production12. This innovative product aligns with growing demands for sustainable building solutions, as the construction sector increasingly seeks alternatives to carbon-intensive materials.

Processing Superwood entirely within the United States supports domestic jobs while ensuring supply chain resilience2. The material's biodegradability provides end-of-life benefits that metal alternatives cannot match, creating a truly circular building material option1. These environmental credentials, combined with its exceptional performance characteristics, position Superwood as a promising solution for reducing embodied carbon in construction while maintaining or exceeding the structural requirements traditionally met by steel.