BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT96-1486 - Novel closed-loop technology for panel recycling

FAIR-CT96-1486
Novel closed-loop technology for panel recycling

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Biocomposites/Boards : FAIR Area 1.3 - Forestry-Wood Chain : Process Engineering : Pulping : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT96-1486
	Total Cost	1 080 028 ECU
	EC Contribution	635 000 ECU
	Start Date	01/01/1997
	Duration	36 months

Novel closed-loop technology for panel recycling

Objectives

The amounts of refused wood-based panels from old furniture and other uses are already significant and their handling causes problems. The burning of old panels is actually a waste of natural resources and is not environmentally desirable mainly due to the creation of dioxins, carbon dioxide, etc. Moreover, legislation forbidding the dumping of materials that contain significant amounts of organic substances will soon be enforced in several countries within the EU.

Technical Approach

The aim of this project is the recycling of wood-based panels to produce medium density fibreboards (MDF) and paper products. According to this recycling process particleboard and medium density fibreboard is pulped using conventional pulping techniques. The fibrous material generated is used as a starting material for the production of medium density fibreboard and/or lower paper grades. The black liquor containing the degradation products of the resin is used as an extender for conventional amino and phenolic resins. Preliminary experiments have proved the concept and a patent (EP0647693) was recently granted in Germany.

Expected Results

Development of a closed-loop technology for the recycling of old furniture.
Production of medium density fibreboard and/or low grade paperboard complying with European standards by using fibres produced by the recycling process as a partial or total replacement of wood.
Use of the black liquor produced by the recycling process as a substitute up to a level of 30% for synthetic resins.
Further recycling of the panels produced by using this recycling process.

Applications

The technology will allow the substitution of virgin wood in the production of MDF by waste boards with a process cost similar to that of conventional MDF production technology. An alternative use of the fibres produced is in low-grade paperboard, in particular beer mats. Further savings will be achieved by partly substituting the synthetic resins used in board production by the black liquor produced by the pulping process. The high cost of depositing waste materials in many European countries (about 50 ECU/t) contributes further to the economic attractiveness of the technology.

Wood fibres

Lab-scale pulping

Contacts

EC Scientific Officer

Alexandros ARABATZIS / European Commission DG Research Theme 1 Key Action 5.3 / BELGIUM

Participant