Harnessing the natural power of rice husks: “from protection to innovation”

Rice, a staple food for over half of the world's population, has a tale that extends beyond the grain itself. Within its humble husk lies a story of resilience, sustainability, and innovation, particularly in the face of some of the harshest conditions in Southeast Asia.

Photo by DEZALB

Enduring harsh conditions

In the vast rice fields of Southeast Asia, rice husks serve as nature's armor, shielding the precious grain from external elements: UV, rain, moisture, pests and fungi. These relentless elements in this region pose significant threats to crop yield and quality. Yet, the sturdy husks provide a robust defense, ensuring the rice grain remains intact and protected from growth to harvest.

A valuable byproduct

Once the rice is harvested and milled, the husks, often considered waste, emerge as a valuable byproduct. These lightweight yet strong and durable coverings constitute about 20% of the rice weight. However, their journey doesn't end at the milling stage.

Rice husks find new life in various industries and applications, thanks to their unique physical properties. From fuel sources for parboiling paddy to insulation material and even electricity generation, the versatility of rice husks is being increasingly recognized and harnessed.

Innovation and rural community development

Traditionally, rice husks were disposed of through burning, contributing to air pollution. However, innovative solutions are emerging to utilize this abundant resource sustainably. Scientists have discovered that rice husks possess properties that make them ideal for inclusion in materials like cement, insulation, and composites.    

The Naxan story

Naxan’s product development team has created a range of lifestyle products for the building industry by unlocking the potential of rice husk. Naxan Lifestyle products include decking, cladding, fencing and performance-based board products. These are termite resistant and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood-based and wood-plastic-composite (WPC) products.

By repurposing this organic waste into materials for the building industry, Naxan offers a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood, resilient against the harsh weather conditions and exceeding durability requirements in Australia.

A sustainable future

From protecting rice grains to driving innovation, rice husks exemplify the potential of sustainable resource management. As efforts continue to repurpose agricultural waste into value-added materials, Naxan’s journey of utilising the rice husks in its building materials underscores the importance of embracing eco-friendly solutions for a brighter, more sustainable future within the building industry.