Particle boards are traditionally manufactured through processes that consume extensive amounts of fossil-based, environmentally unfriendly and toxic binder chemicals. Alternatively, the intrinsic functionalities of lignocellulosic biomass can be utilized to produce high-density boards without the addition of chemical binders, using the so-called Binderless technology, developed by the Wageningen Food & Biobased Research institute, part of Wageningen University & Research (WUR). This process elegantly relies on the use of temperature and mechanical pressure only, to ultimately yield materials with thermosetting properties and high-quality attributes, such as high strength, water resistance and fire retardancy. Low-value agricultural, forestry and timber industry side-streams such as reed, hemp, flax, prunings, and saw dust can be converveted into high-value two and three dimensional products for constructive and interior application outlets.
As such, the Binderless technology can be used to convert a plethora of locally produced lignocellusic (side) streams. Because the mechanism behind binder formation has been unravelled, we know which biomass constituents are responsible for the production of the binder and boards and its ultimate properties. By making use of specific feedstocks and clever mixtures we can further control and optimize the product properties.
What’s next
Interviews with over 50 commercial parties within a potential Binderless value-chain unanimously provided very positive feedback on the technology and showed enthusiastic responses on the potential for application in various packaging, decorative, interior and building concepts. This high interest was consistently paired with a desire to better understand the techno-economic viability of the technology and potential for scale-up. Our current project portfolio is therefore exactly focussed on demonstrating the techno-economic potential of the Binderless technology for the building sector by making use of locally produced Northern-European lignocellulosic side-streams.