Acre sample.
Source (All Images) | Modern Mill
Modern Mill (McComb, Miss., U.S.) is a building materials manufacturer that creates a sustainable wood reinforcement alternative named Acre from upcycled rice hulls. Acre, produced at the company’s zero-waste manufacturing facility in Fernwood, Mississippi, combines the warmth and workability of wood with the durability and low maintenance of composites.
Acre’s composition comprises upcycled rice hulls and a rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin matrix. The rice hulls make up about 50% by volume of the product. According to Modern Mill, this is a common and abundant waste byproduct that is often destined for landfills — the U.S. grows and exports more than 20 billion pounds of rice each year
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The rigid PVC used is recyclable and doesn’t have any VOCs or plasticizers which are commonly found in flexible PVC. Made using natural gas rather than coal or oil, the polymer is derived from 50% saltwater (versus 100% fossil fuel polymers) and is less prone to degradation, meaning product lifespans are extended.
Acre applications including Acre decking, trim panels over the deck and shiplap siding on the house.
Acre products are available in siding, trim, decking, porch boards and millwork. Siding profiles include shiplap, edge and center bead, board and batten, nickel gap, and v-groove. Acre can replace wood in nearly all non-structural applications, Modern Mill reports — it can be easily cut, drilled and routed with standard woodworking tools, doesn’t produce harmful dust and can be thermoformed to create custom shapes.
In addition, Acre can be stained or painted without primer in hundreds of approved colors, making it virtually indistinguishable from rich tropical wood species like cedar, ipe, teak and mahogany. Manufactured with a natural grain, Acre offers the beauty of real wood without knots or splintering. It is also resistant to water, weather, rot, pests and mold, making it an ideal choice for both exterior and interior applications.
Ultimately, Modern Mill’s solution aims to reduce unnecessary deforestation. Acre also supports clean-air living, containing no phenol, formaldehyde or adhesives, making it a healthier, more sustainable option for building projects.
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