Innovation

By using pallets, the company is developing construction methods that contribute to collective efforts towards sustainability, while at the same time promoting Corporate Social Responsibility and involving reintegration projects within construction. With this activity, the company is positioned as a leader in the "green clean tech" sector: green because it develops products in wood, a natural material, and clean because the wood it uses has already been used and packaged. Sofrinnov attained its first patent for a design called "Sylcat." This patent consists of making wall frames using wooden pallets. With the help of this patent, the company has designed several modular devices based on this construction method.

More than 50 construction projects using this innovation have already been built for companies and private individuals within campsites in France or as part of humanitarian activities outside of the country.

Mr. Escriva doesn't necessarily supervise all of the construction sites using Sofrinnov's innovation. Some of his clients already know how to assemble the modules, because the technology and information transfer have already been done. He delivers the kit to them and in one day the modules can be assembled. The advantage of this solution is also that it allows you to build faster.

Inspiration

Jean Claude Escriva has always had a passion for wood. He decided to set up his own business in 2014 following a realization. He had the idea and desire to create emergency shelters for refugees, political or climatic, out of wooden pallets. These structures are practical, ecological, and economical.

When he realized how many people had been displaced, he had an "awakening," and decided to "do his bit" to help alleviate struggles associated with the displacement of people.

Beyond the humanitarian aspect, this interest is also ecological and economical. While a traditional tent only lasts up to 6 months, pallet shelters can last several years.

Overall impact

Sofrinnov's initial approach to its innovation was to meet a humanitarian need for shelter. Concerning emergency shelters, the first infrastructure model invented by Sofrinnov's founders makes it possible to offer a shelter in refugee camps that is easier to dismantle and more durable than a tent. This is the "Rescooz" module: with a surface area of between 20 and 25m², the refugees can put it up themselves. This module can last for about 15 days. Sofrinnov, therefore, offers emergency shelters that provide refugees with security through the solidity of the shelter and respect for their privacy thanks to the insulation.

The overall impact of the innovation is very strong. In addition to offering innovative and sustainable infrastructure, the ease of assembly and disassembly is a real benefit to the company's customers. The cost of wooden pallets, which are affordable, offers one of the best alternatives to pricier options. Sofrinnov's social policies are a real advantage for the company. Sofrinnov collaborates with penitentiaries and people in reintegration for the manufacturing of assembly parts. Mr. Escriva explained, "the ecological aspect is also very important, as it is obvious that wooden partitions have a better environmental impact than plasterboard. In addition, it allows refugees to be actors in their construction."

Business benefit

Despite his motivation, Mr. Escriva had difficulties at the start of his entrepreneurial pursuit. These troubles included regulations and building the credibility of the company. No one understood the advantages of using wood in temporary shelters or had confidence in the strength of buildings made from pallets. Moving forward, Mr. Escriva would like to expand his work to reach a wider target. He is looking at collaborations with other companies, such as Unity Cube, and the construction of bungalows or chalets both in France and abroad.

With the other types of modules that Sofrinnov proposes, it is possible to extend a house, to build in classified geographical sites, or to meet the needs of temporary shelters. The installation and dismantling leave the site used clean. Once the module has been dismantled, only the pallets remain, which can be recycled again.

Mr. Escriva stated that "this contribution aims to show how the pallet can be at the center of a virtuous circle of the circular economy, but also of the social and solidarity economy (SSE)." This innovation connects the three dimensions of sustainable development; environmental, with the recycling of pallets and the reuse of materials: economic, with innovation in the implementation allowing for a viable economic model: and social, because this concept is aimed at a large public.

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Social and environmental benefit

The Sylcat patent registered by the company is derived from transforming pallets into wooden blocks and assembling them through an interlocking system to build wooden walls. This solution is ecological and low-carbon. It is possible to reuse second-hand pallets. The other materials used are also part of recycling within the wood industry.

Sofrinnov's main building material is wood. Wood has several advantages: it is strong and it is a powerful carbon sink. Knowing that the building sector consumes the most energy of all the economic sectors, the future of using more wood is promising. Mr. Escriva explained, "we don't remember, that before, everything was made of wood and the concrete marketers managed to kill wood."

When faced with the risk of fire, the speed of fire propagation in wood has already been determined, and therefore people understand when to intervene, whereas it is still unknown for concrete and steel. Wood is a flexible material. In some instances, wood is more resistant than concrete. A light wooden structure placed on the ground will be less affected by earth movements. Wood insulates 15 times better than concrete and 450 times better than steel. Acoustic and thermal comfort are also based on recycled materials. Moreover, the use of these materials allows the construction site to remain dry. With the assembly of pallets, there is no need for water to build. Mr. Escriva stated that "wood has thousands and thousands of advantages that we have all forgotten in general because of the lobby and the collective unconscious."

The positive impact on society is numerous. In addition to providing work to people reintegrating into society, the company's products support people in need.

Interview

Jean Claude Escriva, Jean Claude Escriva