BELGIUM – Unilin is investing EUR 20 million to launch industrial-scale MDF recycling at its Bazeilles, France, facility.

Previously, MDF items like decorative panels and flooring were incinerated due to the glue binding the wood fibers, which posed a recycling challenge.

The breakthrough came from finding a method to break down glue molecules, with initial tests conducted by CEO Veronique Hoflack using a pressure cooker. “We use steam to separate glue molecules,” said project engineer Stéphane Marthy. After years of prototype testing, the process is now ready for industrial production.

Unilin’s Bazeilles plant can currently recycle 1,500 kg/hr of MDF, with plans to significantly increase this by September 2025 when the first recycling line becomes operational. The goal is to store an additional 380,000 tonnes of CO2 annually—equivalent to the emissions of 211,000 cars—by reusing wood fibers instead of burning them.

The investment will support new industrial equipment and processes, allowing Unilin to offer MDF panels with 30% recycled content, a figure expected to grow. Two recycling lines will be developed: one for pre-consumer waste from industrial clients and another for post-consumer waste. Unilin also plans to license this technology to promote circular economy practices in the industry.