Biofiber-reinforced recyclable and circulable building board (BIOBYGG)

Important results from the project

The aim was to investigate the possibilities of introducing a weave of bio fiber to increase the strength of a building board made from 100% recycled material. The project managed to add a weave with good adhesion without introducing any new additives, which means that the environmental properties of the board remain. The project also investigated an extended fire class through the addition of fire retardants, without changing the requirement of 100% renewable and recyclable. The strength could be increased by 80-90% with a combination of fiber and adjustment of process parameters.

Expected long term effects

The result from the project will be used as a proof-of-concept by Recoma to develop its products in the future and enter new markets. The result can be used to improve the existing product or to develop a new complementary product. In order to introduce a fabric (made of natural fibres), the facility needs to be rebuilt somewhat, in accordance with the proposals made during the course of the project. Recoma also needs to connect with suppliers who can deliver natural fiber on a roll according to the desired production volume and requirement specification.

Approach and implementation

The project has been carried out in several rounds, where RISE and Recoma worked together in the test bed in Olofström. Initially, a knowledge and understanding of the process was built up, and production quality boards were produced, before a natural fiber weave was introduced. Various natural fibers have been acquired, tested and evaluated in several rounds. On one of the test occasions, a fire retardant was also tested in the process in order to possibly increase the fire rating on the board. Project meetings were held both digitally and on site at RISE Olofström and Recoma in Hässleholm.