Objective
This project aims to break through the market barriers that hinder the introduction of bio-based modified wood, an eco-alternative to environmental unsound construction materials. The consortium partners, consisting of 3 SME’s and a large company, developed and tested on pilot scale a new environmental friendly wood modification technology/product which uses bio-based products to modify wood: In-Situ Wood Bio-Polymerization (ISWBP). Fast growing softwood is impregnated with a water-soluble thermoset resin which is produced from agricultural crop waste (bagasse). The specs of this modified wood equal the properties of tropical hardwood and therefore form an attractive alternative to this hardwood and other construction materials with a negative environmental impact (concrete, metal, plastics etc). The major market barriers that have to be conquered are:
• A negative attitude in the market towards modified wood. Past introduction of modified wood products have not met up to expectations.
• A conservative building and timber sector, making it difficult to introduce innovative technologies.
• Lacking certification for bio polymerized wood products. Meeting up to certification standards requires new certifications for bio polymerized wood.
• Competitive pricing of comparable solutions: a full scale plant is needed to be able to lower production costs.
In order to take the barriers away, there is a need to implement a first full scale plant for the production of bio polymerized wood. This full-scale plant will allow for certification, will proof that this new material can be produced against strict quality guarantees and attractive costs, and is essential to convince the market of its long term viability.
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
CIP-EIP-Eco-Innovation-2012
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Coordinator
DALFSEN
Netherlands