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 talk about the idea behind the system, their research process, and their vision of a “green” drywall solution.

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

Michael Sommer: The initial question was actually quite simple: Do we really need steel in drywall construction? Over the decades, metal profiles have become the industry standard. But anyone concerned with resource efficiency, carbon footprints, and circularity knows that steel is energy-intensive to produce, complex to recycle, and not always the optimal solution for interior construction.

Andreas Ridder: It was clear to us that drywall construction neede to be fundamentally rethought. We wanted to explore whether an alternative could be developed that is functionally equivalent - or even superior - while being made from a material that conserves resources and opens up new possibilities.

Why did you choose pulp fibres?

Ridder: Pulp fibres are an obvious choice when aiming for circularity. They originate from recycling streams, are readily available, and can be shaped effectively. However, we certainly didn’t start with a ready-made solution. The process began with extensive material testing, trial and error, and continuous optimisation.

Sommer: The key challenge was that fibres cannot be treated like wood. Wooden profiles already exist, but cellulose behaves very differently as a material. We therefore had to develop a geometry that provides structural stability, design layered configurations, and use fastening methods that result in a load-bearing component. It took numerous iterations before we arrived at a profile that meets the requirements of drywall construction.

Can you give an example of these challenges?

Sommer: Moisture was a classic issue. Fibres are hygroscopic - they absorb water. We had to ensure that the profile would retain its shape and structural performance even under real construction site conditions. This required intensive laboratory testing, adjustments in production, and continuous collaboration with research institutions.

Ridder: Another major aspect was standardisation. Drywall profiles are clearly regulated in Germany. Introducing a completely new material means demonstrating that it meets - or exceeds - the same requirements. Fire resistance, load-bearing capacity, and workability all had to be thoroughly tested before we could obtain general building authority approval.

How did a single profile evolve into a complete system?

Ridder: Initially, the idea was simply to develop a replacement for traditional C-studs. But we quickly realised that creating a true alternative requires a complete system. Drywall construction is inherently modular - profiles, connectors, reinforcements all work together.

Sommer: This led to the development of the SORIWA Multi-System. We created a connector that enables frame construction without conventional U-tracks, and we designed a core component for high-load areas such as door openings. The result is a fully steel-free stud framework. This system approach marked a decisive step forward.

What kind of feedback have you received in practice?

Sommer: At first, there was naturally some skepticism. Many tradespeople found it hard to imagine that fibres could replace steel. But as soon as they handled the material themselves, perceptions changed. The profiles are lighter, can be processed using standard tools, and have no sharp edges - these are clear advantages on site.

Ridder: Another key point is that we didn’t reinvent the construction method. Everything works in a familiar way. That makes adoption straightforward. For us, innovation doesn’t mean discarding established practices - it means improving them.

You speak about the “green wall.” What does this vision entail?

Ridder: With the SORIWA Multi-System, we’ve taken a major step - but our ambitions go further. Our goal is to develop a wall system in which not only the profiles but all components are fully recyclable, including boards 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.

Looking 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 we received official building approval. That made it clear: this is not just a vision, but an approved construction product ready for real-world application.

And what about the future?

Ridder: We’re just getting started. The SORIWA 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.