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Lignin based wood adhesives
Wood adhesives, integral to the production of secondary wood products like plywood, particle board, and fibreboard, have long relied on fossil-based chemicals. These adhesives mimic the binding properties of lignin, a natural component in wood, but they bring along significant downsides. Fossil-based adhesives result in toxic emissions and are prone to delamination—weakening over time due to water and erosion, leading to shorter product lifespans.
With the global market for wood adhesives valued at over 7 billion CHF and expected to grow ata compound annual growth rate of 8.6% from 2024 to 2030, largely driven by demand for eco-friendly furniture, the need for sustainable, high-performance alternatives is pressing. Unfortunately, despite its potential as a natural binder, lignin has historically proven difficult to isolate without becoming a tangled, non-usable mess, relegating it to the role of an inefficient fuel source in paper mills.
CAGR of wood adhesives 2024-2030
Bloom Biorenewables SA is addressing this long-standing challenge with an innovative solution that has the potential to revolutionize the wood adhesive industry. Utilizing a proprietary process, Bloom has developed a method to "cap" the sticky ends of lignin, thus isolating it in its native form without the typical entanglement. This process allows for the lignin to be effectively utilized as a high-strength, eco-friendly wood adhesive. Demonstrated on a large scale and achieving near-theoretical yields, this technology leverages lignin's evolved properties to create a glue that not only matches but potentially exceeds the performance of traditional phenol-formaldehyde resins. When mixed with water and cured, Bloom’s lignin adhesive offers remarkable bonding strength and impressive water stability—attributes crucial for long-lasting wood products.
To bring this groundbreaking adhesive to market, Bloom is collaborating with Prof. Ingo Mayerat the Berner Fachhochschule Institute (BFH) to optimize the adhesive's formulation and processing parameters for compatibility with existing industrial manufacturing processes. Specifically, the project aims to lower the curing temperature from 190°C to the industry-standard 130°C, ensuring the adhesive's seamless integration into current production lines. This optimization will involve experimenting with various catalysts and additives to enhance the adhesive's performance, followed by scaling the lignin synthesis and prototyping to produce full-scale plywood panels.
« By harnessing the natural properties of lignin, this project promises not only to reduce harmful emissions but also to create products that are stronger, more durable, and environmentally friendly. »
This endeavor represents a significant leap towards sustainable manufacturing in the wood products sector. By harnessing the natural properties of lignin, this project promises not only to reduce harmful emissions but also to create products that are stronger, more durable, and environmentally friendly. This innovative solution fosters a future where industrial practices and ecological sustainability are harmoniously aligned, paving the way for a greener, more resilient world.
