Sustainable, safe, and high-performance bio-based adhesives for wood-based composites

The SUSPENSE project aims to develop and demonstrate innovative safe and sustainable bio-based adhesives to replace conventional fossil-based adhesives, which are harmful to the environment and human health. The project focuses on creating adhesives from renewable feedstocks such as bio-acids, polyphenolics, proteins and other bio-derived materials. These adhesives will meet market demands and regulatory standards and will be used in wood-based panels (Plywood, Particle Board, and MDF), and wood-based insulation materials. The technical performance of the adhesives will be validated through comprehensive industrial testing.The project will introduce two production routes for bio-based adhesives: the Acids Route and the Polyphenolics Route. The Acids Route will use bio-acids and various bio-derived raw materials like hemicellulose sugars, proteins, and vegetable oils to develop adhesives with high water resistance and bonding strength. The Polyphenolics Route will leverage natural compounds like protein, chitosan, and functionalized lignin to produce adhesives with strong bonding capabilities and moisture resistance.To ensure the practical applicability and scalability of the developed solutions, the project will include several demonstration cases. These cases will provide real-world validation of the bio-based adhesives in different industrial applications, focusing on wood-based panels and insulation materials as well as producing furniture using the panels. The recyclability of the end applications will be validated based on the induced ability of the developed adhesives for debonding. The SUSPENSE project aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, improve sustainability and circularity, and foster increased consumer acceptance of bio-based adhesives. By achieving these objectives, the project will contribute to the European Union's goals for a Circular Economy and Zero Pollution.