Rice Tab: from agricultural waste to boards for use in interior design and furniture
Rice Tab is a technical board developed by BIRDMIND from rice husks, an agricultural byproduct widely available in Europe. Designed for applications in architecture, interior design and furniture, it transforms what was once considered waste into a high-performance material with a new functional life in the built environment.
The production process is based on an efficient, low-impact industrial system developed to use rice husks as a raw material. It requires no added formaldehyde or toxic adhesives, and is carried out with a zero water footprint and powered by 100% renewable energy, significantly reducing environmental impact compared to conventional wood-based panels.
Rice Tab is engineered to deliver high technical performance. It offers natural moisture resistance and features fire-resistant, flame-retardant, anti-fungal and acoustic properties, making it suitable for demanding interior applications. Its stability and durability means that it can be used across a wide range of environments, from hospitality and retail to residential and exhibition spaces.
The material is highly versatile and suitable for furniture, wall panelling, cladding and bespoke interior elements. It is also designed with circularity in mind: at the end of its useful life, Rice Tab can be mechanically processed and reintegrated into new boards, extending its lifecycle and reducing waste generation.
Rice Tab represents a new generation of materials that combine design quality, technical performance and environmental responsibility, enabling architects and designers to develop more sustainable projects without compromising functionality or aesthetics.
- Rice Tab is available and being used in architectural and interior design projects.
- In just one and a half years, the material has moved from development to implementation, demonstrating its viability and performance in demanding applications across different sectors.
- International interest has been strong, particularly from Nordic countries, where there is a growing focus on circular and low-impact materials for the built environment.
- As of 2026, BIRDMIND is working with distributors in several European countries, supporting the expansion of Rice Tab across international markets and consolidating its position as a scalable circular material solution for architecture and interior design.