Quick-Step is to begin recycling the high density fibreboard in its laminate flooring.
Until now it was unable to industrially filter the glue that binds the HDF, which meant most of the fibreboards were burned at the end of the flooring’s usable life. Now technology developed by Quick-Step’s parent company Unilin Group sees the fibres moistened and loosened so they can be reused.
The technology will initially be used at the group’s plant in Bazeilles, France before being rolled out to other factories. The group will also be recycling externally-sourced HDF as it looks to replace at least a quarter of its raw material mix with recycled fibres by 2030. It says this will save 380,000tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.
‘This revolutionary development is entirely in keeping with our commitment to innovate in the area of sustainability. We’re using this patented technology to completely close the circular loop of our HDF panels. However, we are aware that HDF is just one part of our laminate flooring. That’s why we will continue to innovate, in order to develop even more sustainable flooring and to contribute to the climate targets of the Paris Agreement,’ says Ruben Desmet, Unilin Flooring president.
