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Introduction of a biofibre composite to the European funeral industry (FIBER COMPOSITE)
Start date: Aug 15, 2012, End date: Feb 14, 2015 PROJECT  FINISHED 

This project targets the funeral industry and aims to establish a fully biodegradable material for the production of eco-coffins. The majority of traditional coffins is made from MDF- and particleboard. These contain a high amount of binders that emit formaldehyde during their life cycle. The innovative material presented in this proposal is based on recycled biofibre that has been modified by green chemicals catalysis (using renewable biopolymers) to offer the same quality, look and feel as traditional used wood composites. This approach allows to abandon the use of binders, reduces the usage of raw material, and increases strength and stiffness of the resulting fibre composite. This allows to exploit new applications for pulp based materials. It has been technically demonstrated that this new material will reduce the usage of raw material by 50%, eliminate the need for toxic binders, reduce waste and enable a more cost-efficient production. The project consortium covers the entire value-chain in the targeted funeral industry. A successful implementation will create an impressive showcase for the applicability of the new eco-material, which in turn will stimulate other industrial sectors to follow.The objective is to introduce the ecological fibre composite as a new industry standard for the funeral industry in Europe. To achieve this, the new eco-materials wide commercial application and replication value needs to be communicated to the active players within this industry. The strategy aims to progress from a current pilot-scale production to a full-scale production, initially penetrating Sweden, Denmark and Norway, and in a second step The Netherlands, UK and Germany. After conclusion of this project the consortium will increase the accessible market by targeting other European countries, while at the same time promote the introduction and replication of the eco-material in other industries, like the furniture, building and automotive industries.

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