Unilin Technologies, a key player in the flooring industry renowned for its technological advancements, has joined forces with Dieffenbacher GmbH, a leading manufacturer of press systems and production plants for the wood-based panel sector to commercialize ‘Osiris’, a state-of-the-art recycling technology designed for wood fibreboards.

This collaboration is set to enhance the recycling processes of various types of fibreboard, including MDF, HDF, THDF and wood fibre insulation boards, with a particular focus on utilising post-consumer materials.

At the heart of the Osiris technology is an innovative steam explosion process that efficiently extracts high-quality recycled fibres from waste fibreboard. This method has been successfully validated through a pilot installation at Unilin’s Bazeilles plant in France, which has been operational since 2022.

The technology not only supports the principles of a circular economy but also provides a cost-effective solution for sourcing wood fibres, making it an attractive proposition for manufacturers.

One of the standout features of Osiris is its ability to significantly reduce production costs associated with new fibreboard manufacturing. By recovering valuable materials from waste, it minimises the reliance on virgin resources, which is increasingly important as sustainability concerns rise within the industry.

Additionally, the process enhances the overall efficiency of fibreboard production by optimizing raw material usage.

Special machinery

The partnership with Dieffenbacher brings specialised expertise in machinery and equipment technology to the table, allowing for the seamless integration of Osiris into existing fibreboard production lines.

As a leader in press systems and complete production plants, Dieffenbacher’s role will be to ensure that manufacturers can adopt this technology with minimal disruption to their operations.

The technical implications of the Osiris technology are significant. The steam explosion process employed in Osiris operates by subjecting waste fibreboard to high-pressure steam, which is then rapidly released.

This results in the breakdown of the fibre structure, facilitating the extraction of high-quality recycled fibres. This process not only enhances the quality of the recycled material but also reduces the energy and water consumption typically associated with traditional recycling methods.

Further, the Osiris technology contributes to the reduction of landfill waste, a pressing issue as the global demand for sustainable waste management solutions grows. By enabling the recycling of post-consumer fibreboard, it extends the lifecycle of materials and aligns with circular economy principles.

As manufacturers face increasing pressure to innovate and adopt sustainable practices, the adoption of Osiris offers a viable solution that meets these challenges head-on. 

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