Customers will enjoy huge savings from Sept. 12 – Oct. 31, plus giveaways, sweepstakes, samples and more at the newly remodeled storeLAKEWOOD, Colo., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers®, the leading family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer in the U.S., is pleased to announce a Remodel Celebration at its Centennial – Cherry Knolls store on September, 12, 2025. Community members are invited to celebrate the store's updated and improved design at 6774 S University Blvd. with giveaways, s ...

Core Insights - The Modular Wall Panel Systems Market is projected to grow from USD 1.6 Billion in 2024 to USD 2.5 Billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 7.80% driven by urbanization, faster construction needs, and sustainable practices [2][19]. Market Drivers - The demand for time-efficient and cost-effective construction solutions is a primary driver, as modular wall panels reduce construction time and labor requirements through prefabrication [6][8]. - Sectors such as healthcare, education, and commercial real estate benefit from the rapid deployment capabilities of modular systems, enhancing project planning and budgeting [7]. - Rising labor costs and a shortage of skilled tradespeople in developed regions make modular construction a practical alternative, minimizing on-site labor dependency [8]. Market Challenges - High initial investment and setup costs hinder adoption, as establishing production facilities requires significant capital for specialized equipment and automation [9][10]. - Comprehensive planning and design expenses, along with limited financing options in developing regions, further restrict the transition to modular construction [10]. - Resistance to change within construction firms complicates the adaptation of existing workflows to modular techniques, delaying broader adoption [11]. Market Trends - The integration of smart and sustainable materials into modular panels is a key trend, with manufacturers adopting eco-friendly alternatives to meet tightening environmental regulations [12][13]. - Materials such as recycled metals and engineered wood are replacing traditional materials, providing benefits like improved insulation and energy efficiency [13]. Key Market Players - Notable companies in the modular wall panel systems market include Armstrong World Industries, Hufcor, PortaFab, DIRTT Environmental Solutions, and others [16]. Report Scope - The report segments the market by product type and application, covering various sectors including healthcare, education, and commercial [15][21].

Core Viewpoint - The development of a new concrete alternative based on fungi by engineers at Montana State University presents a sustainable solution to the environmental burden of traditional cement production, which accounts for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions [1]. Group 1: Innovation in Materials - The new material falls under the category of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs), which combines living organisms with non-biological materials to create unique properties [3]. - The core component of this material is the rapidly growing fungus Neurospora crassa, which forms a mycelial network that provides a robust structural framework [3]. - The introduction of the bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii facilitates a microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) process, transforming the loose substrate into a cement-like solid [3]. Group 2: Structural Design and Potential - The fungal framework offers high design flexibility for internal structures, allowing for complex geometries that mimic human cortical bone, enhancing strength and toughness while potentially providing self-healing capabilities [5]. - This is the first application of fungal mycelium networks in engineering materials, indicating significant potential for reducing reliance on traditional cement and lowering carbon emissions in the construction industry [5]. - Challenges remain, including cost control, scalability, and industry application, but advancements in extending material lifespan and optimizing manufacturing processes could revolutionize urban landscapes in the future [5].