Sustainability, Circularity, and Innovation in Wood-based Panel Manufacturing in the 2020s: Opportunities and Challenges.

Purpose Of Review: This review explores the opportunities and challenges associated with using unconventional and underutilized wood sources, such as fast-growing species, logging residues, fire-damaged wood, and post-consumer wood, to manufacture wood-based composite panels (WBCPs), particularly particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and oriented strand board. This paper also discusses recent advancements in lightweight and multifunctional panels, with new features such as fire resistance, electrical conductivity, electromagnetic shielding, and antibacterial laminates.

Recent Findings: Climate change, wildfires, and competition from the energy sector threaten current sources of fiber supply for WBCP manufacturing in some regions.

Recent Advances in Bio-Based Adhesives and Formaldehyde-Free Technologies for Wood-Based Panel Manufacturing.

Purpose Of Review: Conventional formaldehyde-based adhesives for wood-based composite panels are subject to significant concerns due to their formaldehyde emissions. Over the past decade, the wood adhesive industry has undergone a considerable transformation that is characterized by a major push in bio-adhesive development. Various bio-based materials have been explored to create alternatives to conventional formaldehyde-based adhesives.