Project description
Revolutionising the wood panel industry with non-toxic, eco-friendly resins
The formaldehyde-based polymer resins used as binders in the construction and wood industries are toxic, carcinogenic, non-recyclable and have a large CO2 footprint. Until recently, there were no safe, bio-based and cost-competitive alternatives available. A new resin called Plantics-GX could replace the toxic and polluting products currently on the market. This resin is 100 % bio-based, recyclable, cost-efficient and free of formaldehyde and other toxic components. It also has a carbon footprint that is five to seven times lower than existing resins. The EU-funded SWOP project aims to realise and accelerate the market entry of wood panels that use Plantics-GX as a binder. The project will help to stimulate the European economy while also furthering health and environmental goals.
Objective
Across huge industries, like the construction and wood industry, formaldehyde-based polymer resins are used in large volumes as binders to keep together materials and components to produce stable and durable products. Such oil-based based resins, however, pose a large societal and environmental burden, as these are toxic, carcinogenic, non-recyclable, and have a large CO2 footprint. Due to increased problem recognition and recently introduced regulations, these industries actively seek for alternatives. However no safe, bio-based and cost-competitive resins are currently available that meet the functional requirements for a strong and durable material,.. until now. Plantics B.V. has developed Plantics-GX, a strong, 100% bio-based, recyclable and safe (no formaldehyde or other toxic components) alternative with a carbon footprint that is 5 to 7 times lower compared to existing resins. Plantics-GX is a biopolymer of which the raw materials are abundantly available, at low cost, making production of Plantics-GX cost-competitive to existing oil-based resins. It is ready to replace toxic and polluting resins, starting with binders in the wood industry. The SWOP consortium, consisting of 3 industrial parties and 1 NGO, has been established to realize and accelerate market entry of revolutionary GX-wood panels with Plantics-GX used as a binder. As a result of this project, these wood panels will be commercialized by Koskisen Oy, Finnish market leading wood manufacturer, and used by Triboo B.V. Dutch circular furniture manufacturer, to commercialize formaldehyde-free kitchens. WOOD.BE a Belgian research and advice organisation in the wood industry, will perform studies to measure the health and environmental effects of a shift to using Plantics-GX. This two year project will accelerate market entry (2022), stimulate the European economy and while doing so address European health and environmental goals.
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Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
6827 AV Arnhem
Netherlands
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.