Chennai-based entrepreneur B. L. Bengani is giving agricultural waste a new purpose through Indowud NFC, a company that manufactures Natural Fibre Composite (NFC) boards using rice husk. The material is processed into engineered boards designed for applications such as furniture, wall panels, doors, flooring and architectural features. By exploring an alternative to conventional wood-based materials, the venture highlights how agricultural residues can become valuable resources for the construction and interiors industry. Indowud NFC reported revenue of ₹28.18 crore in FY2025, according to company-profile data.
From Plywood To An Alternative Made With Agricultural Waste
For Bengani, the idea of developing an alternative to conventional plywood emerged from his experience in the panel industry. A former plywood entrepreneur, he began exploring materials that could reduce dependence on conventional wood-based products. Reports state that he travelled to the United States and Singapore to study alternative materials and manufacturing technologies before focusing on rice husk, a by-product of rice milling.
Rice husk is generated in large quantities during the processing of paddy. While it has several potential uses, agricultural residues are often discarded or burned, creating an opportunity to explore more productive applications. Bengani saw the possibility of using this readily available material as a basic raw ingredient for engineered boards.
The research and development process involved experimenting with the composition and manufacturing technology needed to turn the husk into a usable panel. Indowud NFC was established in 2018, with its product entering the market in 2019 after a period of development. The company’s approach was to create a material that could serve applications traditionally associated with plywood and other wood-based boards.
How Rice Husk Is Transformed Into Composite Boards
The manufacturing process begins with the collection of rice husk from rice mills. According to a report by The New Indian Express, Indowud sources raw material from more than 110 rice mills in and around Chennai. The husk is transported to the company’s manufacturing facility in Sholavaram, where it undergoes cleaning and size reduction.
The processed material is then blended with a binder system before being compressed under heat and pressure. After curing, the boards are trimmed and finished for different applications. The resulting Natural Fibre Composite boards can be cut, drilled, routed, screwed, nailed, painted, laminated and veneered, making them adaptable to different design and manufacturing requirements.
The boards are used across several areas, including furniture components, cabinets, shelving, door frames, interior panelling, partitions, exterior cladding, decking and architectural features. A performance appraisal by the Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC) also lists residential, commercial, institutional and hospitality applications. However, the appraisal specifies that the boards are not recommended for structural or load-bearing use and should be used in appropriate non-load-bearing applications with suitable support.
Turning Waste Into A Business Opportunity
The larger proposition behind Indowud is the possibility of creating value from agricultural residues that might otherwise be underutilised. Using rice husk as a raw material can provide an alternative source for certain building and interior products, while creating demand for agricultural by-products. The approach also raises questions about how industries can incorporate locally available waste into manufacturing supply chains.
The environmental benefits of such products need to be assessed across their entire life cycle, including raw-material sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, durability and end-of-life disposal. A report by The New Indian Express cited third-party carbon assessments estimating that each cubic metre of Indowud’s engineered boards avoids around 2,447 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent through avoided deforestation. This figure is an assessment-based estimate, rather than a universal measure of the impact of every board or application.
The business has also expanded its product range beyond basic boards to include furniture components, cladding, pergolas, louvres and customised architectural screens. The same report stated that its products were being exported to 10–15 countries through a network of more than 100 dealers. Company-profile data lists Indowud NFC’s FY2025 revenue at ₹28.18 crore; revenue should not be confused with net profit.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India generates substantial quantities of agricultural residues, and finding productive uses for them remains an important opportunity for innovation. Bengani’s work with Indowud NFC demonstrates one way agricultural by-products can enter manufacturing and become part of everyday products, from furniture to interior panels.
However, turning waste into a marketable material is only one part of the sustainability challenge. Its long-term value depends on responsible sourcing, manufacturing practices, product safety, durability, affordability and transparent environmental assessments. As the construction and interiors industries look for alternatives to conventional materials, innovations such as rice-husk-based composite boards offer an opportunity to rethink what is considered waste and how it can be used more productively.
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