Research project BioRePly

BioRePly - Development of bio-based recyclable layered composites; sub-project 2: Evaluation of possible end-of-life scenarios and life cycle assessment of bio-based plywood

Project description:

In order to meet the European recycling target of 70% by 2030, new solutions for plywood must be found in the wood industry. This is a versatile material used in construction, furniture, packaging and transportation, among other applications.

In commercially available wood veneers, fossil-based thermosetting resins are used as adhesives, and the veneers largely end up in thermal recycling at the end of their life. The Chair of Wood Technology and Fiber Materials Technology at TU Dresden is researching the development of wood composites that use bio-based recyclable thermoplastics. The use of bio-based compostable thermoplastics in layered composites have several environmental advantages over conventional thermoset adhesives. These include:

- the elimination of the use of materials of fossil origin,
- the recyclability (cascade use of the composite through disassembly), and
- the potential of composting

In cooperation with the partner LIGNOA Leichtbau GmbH, a demonstrator table will be produced with the developed panels and then recycled into WPC panels by the company PC Paper Compound. The company Jungholz is active in marketing and sales of sustainable products made of veneer material and supports the project in an advisory capacity.

The Institute for Waste Management and Circular Economy will investigate the biodegradability of the layered composites in aerobic and anaerobic tests in cooperation with Veolia Klärschlammverwertung Deutschland GmbH (VKD). The results will be used to develop end-of-life scenarios with possible collection strategies, reuse and recycling options. A life cycle assessment and evaluation of the end-of-life scenarios will round off the project.