SORIWA GmbH, based in the Münsterland region of Germany, has developed the SORIWA Multi-System, a steel-free installation system for drywall construction. In this interview, founders Michael Sommer and Andreas Ridder discuss the idea behind the system, their research, and their vision for a “green” drywall system.

Mr. Sommer, Mr. Ridder, what was the starting point for your development?

Michael Sommer: The initial question was actually very simple: Do we really need steel in drywall construction? Over the decades, metal profiles have become the industry standard. But anyone who is concerned with resources, carbon footprints, and recyclability knows that steel is energy-intensive to produce, difficult to recycle, and not always the best solution for interior finishing.

Andreas Ridder: It was clear to us that we needed to fundamentally rethink drywall construction. We wanted to find out if there was an alternative that was functionally equivalent or even better – but made from a material that conserves resources and opens up new possibilities.

Why were pulp fibers chosen?

Ridder: Pulp fibres are one of the first materials that come to mind when you want to work within a circular economy. They come from recycling streams, are readily available, and are easy to shape. But it wasn’t as though we had the perfect solution right away. It all started with a long process of material testing, trial and error, and optimization.

Sommer: The biggest challenge was that we couldn’t treat the fibers the same way we treat wood. Wooden profiles already exist, but cellulose is a material all its own. So we had to develop a geometry that provides stability for the fibres; we had to design layered structures and use fasteners that result in a load-bearing component. Only after many trials did we develop a profile that meets the requirements of drywall construction.

Can you give an example of these challenges?

Sommer: Moisture was a classic challenge. Fibers are hygroscopic; they absorb water. So we had to ensure that the profile would retain its shape and load-bearing capacity even under construction site conditions. This meant intensive testing in the lab, adjustments during production, and constant feedback from research institutions.

Ridder: Another issue was standardization. Drywall profiles are clearly defined in Germany. If you suddenly introduce a completely different material, you have to prove that it meets – or exceeds – the same requirements. Fire safety, load-bearing capacity, workability: All of these aspects were tested before we could obtain general building approval.

How did a single profile evolve into an entire system?

Ridder: Ridder: At first, the idea was indeed to develop a replacement for C-studs. But we quickly realized that if we really wanted to create an alternative, we needed a complete system. After all, drywall construction works on a modular basis – profiles, connectors, and reinforcements.

Sommer: This led to the development of the Multi-System. We developed a connector that allows for the frame construction without traditional U-tracks. And we designed the core component, which is used in high-stress areas such as doorways. The result is a completely steel-free stud frame. This system concept was a decisive step forward.

What kind of reactions have you encountered in practice?

Sommer: At first, of course, there was skepticism. Many tradespeople couldn’t imagine that fibres could replace steel. But as soon as they held the material in their hands, their perspective changed. The profiles are lighter, they can be worked with using standard tools, and there are no sharp edges – that’s what makes them so convincing in practice.

Ridder: Another important point was that we didn’t invent a completely new construction method. Everything works the way tradespeople are used to. That makes it easy to get started. For us, innovation doesn’t mean throwing everything out, but rather improving what already exists.

You talk about the “green wall.” What’s behind this vision?

Ridder: We’ve made great strides with the Multi-System. But we’re aiming even higher. We want to create a wall where not only the profiles but all components are recyclable—right down to the panels and insulation materials.

Sommer: We call this the “green wall.” The goal is for an entire interior wall to be made in the future from materials that can be recycled. Our Multi Profile is the first building block toward that goal. What’s crucial for us is that these new materials must not be significantly more expensive than today’s standard products, and they must be able to be installed using the same tools and techniques. We want to develop systems that are ecologically sustainable without becoming a cost or labor burden for designers and tradespeople. Our vision is a construction method that is economical, practical, and at the same time recyclable - moving away from the linear “raw materials in, waste out” model toward a closed material cycle.

One last look back: What was the most important moment in your development?

Sommer: For me, it was the day we built the first complete room using our system. Suddenly, the idea had become a reality. We could see, feel, and measure that it worked, and at the same time experience just how effortlessly the material could be worked with. Particularly impressive was the reaction of the drywall installer, who was initially skeptical but then continued working with visible enthusiasm. He later told us that while working, he almost felt like “the MacGyver of drywall installation” - because with simple tools, he suddenly had entirely new possibilities. At that moment, it became clear: Our concept not only works in the lab, but also proves itself on the construction site.

Ridder: For me, it was the moment the official building approval was granted. That made it clear: it’s not just a vision, but an approved building product that can be used in practice.

And what about the future?

Ridder: We’re just getting started. The Multi-System is just the beginning but development continues – with new components, research partners, and pilot projects. We want to show that resource-efficient construction isn’t a compromise, but a step forward.

Sommer: And we want to give tradespeople, planners, and architects a tool that allows them to apply these innovations immediately in practice. That is what drives us.