As a renewable, bio-based and carbon storing material, wood is a key driver for Europe’s circular bioeconomy. Reintegrating post-consumer solid wood and WBPs into the manufacture of particleboard closes material loops and extends the lifespan of wood. Consequently, material value is maintained and the dependence on virgin wood is reduced. EcoRefibre has developed an innovative waste sorting line and smart recycling technologies to enable end-of-life fibreboards to be broken down into fibres which are then reintegrated into new products. From an economic perspective, increasing recycling can help broaden the raw material base and improve the availability of raw materials. Of course, investments in recycling equipment and process adaption are required for industrial-scale production.

By fostering a circular value chain, from waste sorting to panel manufacturing, the EcoReFibre project contributes to the objectives of the Green Deal, in particular the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and supports the goals of the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), while aligning with the upcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA).

Key principles of Circular Bioeconomy include:

• Designing products that minimise waste
• Multi-actor dialogue
• Improving resource and energy efficiency
• Using by-products and secondary raw materials
• Promoting awareness and social engagement

EcoReFibre Closes the Material Loop through:

• New and adapted technologies & methods
• New collaborations
• New and adapted infrastructure
• Lifecycle analysis
• Supportive regulations and standards
• New business models