PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Oriented strand boards (OSB) are wood-based panels, built of three layers of strands bonded with a resin. The panels are used mainly in construction, roofing or as packaging material. The current technology used to manufacture OSB panels causes the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the production process, as well as during the use of the panels. These emissions come mainly from the wood used, and vary according to the wood species and its growing conditions.
OBJECTIVES
The project aimed to implement a new environmentally-friendly production process for its engineered wood-based panels. The process, which is based on an innovative drying system, targeted a substantial reduction of VOC emissions during the production and use phases and would therefore have a positive impact on the whole product lifecycle. In addition, its implementation would lead to significant reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions during the production phase.
RESULTS
The ECOSB project was successfully implemented by Kronospan, in collaboration with its partner, WKI (Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung – Wilhelm Klauditz Institut, Germany). The company’s innovative drying system, which recycles exhaust fumes and gases, allowed it to dramatically reduce VOC emissions by 95% or more. It also reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the plant by 10 to 20% and reduced the smell emanating from the production plant by around 40%. Moreover the technology has also allowed the company to reduce costs by around 3.5%. The technology, which has been successfully adopted at Kronospan's plant in Luxembourg, is likely to be adopted by other OSB production plants, in the Kronospan group, but also in the rest of the OSB industry. Finally, the company has been awarded a national environmental prize for industry 2007 by FEDIL, a Luxembourg association representing the construction and business services' sectors. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section). This project has been awarded the title of "Best of the Best" from a shortlist of 22 "Best" LIFE Environment projects in 2008-2009.The ECOSB project was successfully implemented by Kronospan, in collaboration with its partner, WKI (Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung – Wilhelm Klauditz Institut, Germany). The company’s innovative drying system, which recycles exhaust fumes and gases, allowed it to dramatically reduce VOC emissions by 95% or more. It also reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the plant by 10 to 20% and reduced the smell emanating from the production plant by around 40%. Moreover the technology has also allowed the company to reduce costs by around 3.5%. The technology, which has been successfully adopted at Kronospan's plant in Luxembourg, is likely to be adopted by other OSB production plants, in the Kronospan group, but also in the rest of the OSB industry. Finally, the company has been awarded a national environmental prize for industry 2007 by FEDIL, a Luxembourg association representing the construction and business services' sectors. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section). This project has been awarded the title of "Best of the Best" from a shortlist of 22 "Best" LIFE Environment projects in 2008-2009.
