By 2025, Unilin will be producing MDF and HDF panels incorporating 30% recycled fiber. Thanks to its partnership with Ecomaison, this pioneering initiative marks a turning point in industrial wood recycling.
A boost for wood panel recycling. Unilin, the Belgian laminate flooring specialist, is to launch a production line in 2025 incorporating 30% recycled fiber at its Bazeilles site in the Ardennes. This ambition is supported by Ecomaison, which supplies the Belgian giant with post-consumer wood waste.
At the French site, Unilin uses its patented technology for separating fibers and glue using steam under tension. This allows recycled fibers to be re-injected into the manufacture of MDF (medium density fiberboard) and HDF (high density fiberboard) panels. A first, since it was previously impossible to recycle wood panels.
A 7-fold increase in production
A pilot line had been set up at Bazeilles in 2021 to test its circular solution on its industrial tool. It produces 10,000 tonnes of recycled fiber per year. This line will be dismantled in September 2025 to install the Bazeilles production process. The tonnage of recycled fiber produced will rise to 70,000 tonnes per year. An investment of 20 million euros.
Recycling wood panels on an industrial scale is a pioneering initiative that Ecomaison is proud to support. The difficulty lies in collecting used panels. Much of this consumer waste is not sufficiently sorted. This is where Ecomaison's expertise in wood collection and sorting complements Unilin's needs.
Extension planned for all sites
The Belgian company, which is highly committed to circularity, uses as much reused wood as possible in the manufacture of its products: wood left over from felling, used pallets, wood from demolition sites, old furniture, etc. Over the past ten years, Unilin has invested in the most sophisticated sorting and cleaning machine in the sector, and describes itself as "the largest wood recycling company in Belgium". 95% of its particleboard is made from recycled wood.
The company plans to install its wood fiber recycling technology on its second line in Bazeilles and on its two other MDF panel production sites in Ussel, Corrèze, and Vielsam, Belgium. An ambitious commitment, which will be an opportunity to strengthen the partnership with Ecomaison in the face of the challenges of wood panel resources and circularity.