General waste handling and recycling in particleboard production

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze general waste handling in Hungarian particleboard production and give solutions based on experimental researches. During our research reuse of waste in Hungarian particleboard production was studied. A wood industrial branch, which can be considered as both a waste “producer” and a waste “re‐user”, recycler was mapped. This allowed an examination and analysis of both sides of waste handling. In the experimental work the effect of recycling dried impregnated décor paper in particleboard production was evaluated. The primary goal was to work out technologies for recycling non‐dangerous materials such as washing water, production and process waste from the cutting of boards. With these technologies general techniques for waste handling in the particleboard industry can be developed. The results of the experiments with impregnated paper showed that by adding crushed impregnated paper the strength of the particleboards can be increased or the same board properties can be achieved with reduced amounts of applied adhesive (UF). Based on this case study the waste handling in Hungarian particleboard companies can be worked out. More experimental researches should be made to give solutions on every waste handling needs. Solutions and advices for the particleboard industry to work in an environmental friendly and economical way are practical implications of the research. This paper was created based on a case study and researches at the University of West Hungary and Hungarian particleboard companies.

Citation

Varga, M., Alpár, T.L. and Németh, G. (2004), "General waste handling and recycling in particleboard production", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 509-520. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777830410553951