Renewable binders for wood panels
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | KUNGLIGA TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLAN - Institutionen för fiber- och polymerteknologi |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 485 000 |
| Project duration | January 2016 - August 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-Driven Innovation – Stage 1 initiation |
Important results from the project
A study on the research on potential renewable binders for particle board, including an interview program with industries in the value chain ; KTH, IKEA, Lantmännen and Stora Enso has been done. From a technical/economical point of view raw materials from the grain based industry (starches and proteins) are the most interesting to consider. Combinations of those raw materials have the potential to meet the requirements in the particle board industry.
Expected long term effects
The study shows that, by cooperating closely with industrial based players in the value chain for the production of particle board, it is possible to develop a new binder based on renewable components such as starches and proteins. This will lead to a decrease in the emissions from furniture and particle boards thereby creating a better in door air environment. Through this a big market for binders of several miljon tons can be transformed and contribute to a more sustainable society. An application for UDI step 2 is planned for January 2017.
Approach and implementation
The participants in the project; KTH, IKEA, Lantmännen and Stora Enso have a potential interest in a value chain for binder production for particle board based on renewable raw materials such as starch, proteins and hemicellulose. The set-up of the project was to make a literature search in the field, discuss with the participants, make visits to their production plants to find out the technical/economical feasibility to base the binders on these types of sources. Starches and proteins are possible candidates especially if they are combined with suitable cross-linkers.