Danish firm turns smelly eelgrass into award-winning acoustic panels

A Danish company is turning eelgrass gathered along the country’s coasts into acoustic panels, DR reports. The material’s fibres contain air pockets that help absorb sound, says Søuld co-founder Kirsten Lynge.

Søuld makes acoustic products for restaurants, hotels, offices and reception areas. The company recently won a Danish Design Award for one of its products. Jury member Lone Feifer said the production method stood out because the product binds more carbon dioxide than is released during its manufacture.

From seaweed thatching to acoustic panels

Lynge has worked with eelgrass since she was 20. Her father was a seaweed thatcher on Læsø, where seaweed has traditionally been used as a building material. With too little eelgrass available there, the company arranged for farmers on Møn and Bogø to collect it.

One of Søuld’s suppliers is Ib Ungermand, who collects, dries and presses eelgrass into round bales on western Bogø. He produces about 100 tonnes of dried eelgrass each year. Ungermand says removing it before it rots is beneficial because decaying eelgrass releases carbon dioxide and methane.

Production moves to Lolland

Søuld is moving from northern Jutland to Lolland, where production will be based at the former sugar factory in Sakskøbing. Co-founder and creative director Tobias Øhrstrøm said the location would make it easier to bring in eelgrass. Lynge said the factory’s layout also suited the company’s needs.

The Sakskøbing operation currently has four jobs, with more expected as production expands. Søuld exports to the United States, Australia and several European countries. Its products are used at restaurants including Noma in Kyoto and Sticks’n’Sushi in London.

Although eelgrass on the beach can have a strong smell, Lynge said the odour does not remain in the finished products.