Transforming old reeds into building materials

Researchers and a manufacturing company in the Netherlands have collaborated to establish and refine the process

Researchers and a manufacturing company in the Netherlands have collaborated to establish and refine the process

The De Wieden National Park, which is actively managed by Natuurmonumenten, was facing the problem of costly disposal of biomass (mainly reeds) grown in the park. So, instead of burning it off sporadically, they tried to find a better solution, and turned to DSM (a pioneer -among other fields- in biomass conversion with company’s Bio-based Products and Services) for help. 

Compakboard on the other hand, is a manufacturing company that creates environmental friendly agri fibre board panels, made out of agricultural waste or residue materials. These ecoboards are Formaldehyde free, moisture/water/fire resistant and recyclable, meaning that Compakboard provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to MDF and chipboard. Compakboard had asked for the help of Wageningen University - a top research institute in the field of biobased materials- in order to provide them with an eco-safe resin to form their final product, as the glue used for conventional chipboards production contains plenty of harmful substances. DSM supplied them with 8 different green resins, and after experimenting, they found the best blend.

The four-party collaboration has led to the development of 100% sustainable and green sheet material, and now the park has found a guaranteed buyer for the biomass flow of old reed for the years to come!