Green alternative for treating wood
The ‘Furan and lignin based resins as eco-friendly and durable solutions for wood preservation, panel, board and design products’ (Ecobinders) project was designed to develop new biomass-based materials to address the growing concern over the toxicity of chemicals used in the wood making sector. The project researchers successfully developed a new range of natural binders that are easily available and environmentally friendly. They are positioned to diminish the use of chromated copper arsenic (CCA) salts and the release of formaldehyde into the environment. They have potential application in numerous products such as furniture and window frames, fire-resistant doors and panels, and roof and wall shingles, to name only a few. Widespread use of the new materials could significantly diminish the amount of toxic chemicals in European households as well as toxic chemical exposure of workers in related fields. In an increasingly savvy consumer environment, eco-friendly products are experiencing increasing demand suggesting economic benefits for industrial users. In addition, better health and safety of workers and consumers has the potential to decrease healthcare costs for countries and individuals as well. The overall potential economic, health and environmental benefits of the innovative products makes the value of their use inescapable.