Wood panel producers and scientists are searching for renewable green adhesives as an alternative to synthetic glues made from fossil sources. The resins that are commonly used nowadays in conventional wood panel production contain, for example, urea formaldehyde, and the emissions can have serious negative effects such as allergies, and even cause cancer. Greener adhesives are badly needed, and that’s where we come in.
We’ve just launched an international research project that aims to create bio-based and formaldehyde-free adhesive systems – or green glues – based on protein that we’ve isolated from rapeseed press cake. This will be used in the production of particleboard and wood panels, and will also increase the value of rapeseed press cake as a raw material for green adhesives. Our focus is always on circularity, and our approach ensures a better and more efficient use of resources. The project will show how a product seen as “waste” can be refined and used as a valuable resource in creating innovative adhesive systems, and ultimately, the manufacturing of environmentally friendly wood panels. Our renewable natural adhesive system will be a welcome product for wood panel producers and consumers in terms of health, environment, circular economy, and sustainability.