Susbind Development and pilot production of SUStainable bio BINDer systems for wood based panels
SUSBIND is a collaborative European research and innovation project addressing the need for more sustainable bio-based binders used for wood-based panel boards in the European furniture industry. The SUSBIND consortium develops, produces and tests bio-based binders as an alternative to fossil-based binders currently used in furniture mass products.
Project Highlights
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Financed
H2020 BBI JU | Chemical Precursors | RIA
Budget
€ 5.5 million
Start date
01.05.2018
Duration
48 months
Project details
The challenge
The wood board industry currently relies on the use of fossil-based binders, mainly formaldehyde-based binders. Several market factors are driving major changes in the composition and technology of these adhesive systems in the EU. Upcoming regulations foresee reduced formaldehyde emissions or its elimination from furniture due to its effects on indoor air-quality. Manufacturers have made several attempts to produce alternative binders from renewable resources, but a bio-based binder able to compete at industrial scale with incumbent chemicals does not yet exist. In order to cope with increasing global consumption and climate change, innovative products in the wood-based panel mass market are urgently needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossils.
The solution
The SUSBIND consortium develops, produces and tests bio-based binders as an alternative to formaldehyde binders currently used for wood-based panel boards in furniture mass products. The goal of the project is to substitute fossil-based chemicals with those from renewable resources. Surplus feedstock sourced from existing European biorefineries will be used for the production of binders and intermediates. SUSBIND aims at producing and validating these bio-based binders with leading wood board manufacturers for two product types: P2 particle board and medium density fibreboard.
The main impacts
The resulting SUSBIND binder system aims to outperform current fossil-based binders containing a significantly lower carbon footprint, while also reducing formaldehyde emissions. A sustainable and economically viable binder will increase the marketability of bio-based furniture products.
Acknowledgment
This project has received funding from the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 792063.
Information and views set out across this project are those of the Consortium and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion or position of the European Union. Neither European Union institutions and bodies nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use that may be made of the information contained herein.
Get in touch susbind@rtds-group.com