How Engineered Wood Can Be Biodegradable / A Guide To Choosing Healthier ‘Wood’
Today, engineered woods encompass a variety of materials such as particle board, fiberboard, and plywood. These materials are commonly employed in construction, furniture, and fabrication. In traditional custom fabrication, especially for museums and galleries, particle board and plywood are most popular. However, these materials usually have a short lifecycle, lasting no more than six months to a year, particularly evident in the turnover of exhibition spaces and custom-made crates for artwork transport, which are typically single-use due to their tailored specifications.
Engineered woods are typically composed from a range of wood size particles, bonded together with adhesives derived from fossil fuels. However, their extensive utilization raises concerns regarding environmental impact and human health, given their reliance on both wood and petroleum-based feedstocks. The average ratio of wood particles to adhesive ranges from 8-12%, but even this little amount of resin renders the material unfit for harmless degradation. Engineered woods, due to their composition, degrade slowly, if at all, exacerbating their environmental footprint. During the materials life cycle, these resins can emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), leading to indoor air pollution and adverse health effects, primarily due to off-gassing from furniture and building materials.
As the demand for engineered woods grows, so too does the pressure on natural ecosystems, leading to further environmental degradation. The use of fossil fuel-based adhesives and formaldehyde-treated wood poses multifaceted environmental challenges during production, use, and disposal. Also contributing to deforestation, exacerbating habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
In response to these environmental and health concerns, there is a growing interest in developing adhesives made from rapidly renewable biomass (organic material used as a resource). Bio-based adhesives offer an alternative to fossil fuel-derived counterparts, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with engineered wood production. These renewable glues can be derived from various sources, including soy, corn, algae, and cellulose.
To develop a more sustainable wood composite alternative, the approach is to combine fibers with a bio- derived adhesive. However, not all bio-based adhesives and fibrous materials are created equal. When selecting binders and biomass sources, several factors should be carefully considered.
Sway founder, Julia Marsh, highlights the importance of considering the following aspects when choosing regenerative and benevolent feedstocks (raw materials used to supply an industrial process) for materials and manufacturing. These guiding principles can be a frame of reference for designers when asking suppliers questions about material origination.
Arable land: Evaluate the availability of suitable land for cultivating biomass without compromising food production or natural habitats.
Regeneration rate: Assess the speed at which biomass sources can be replenished to ensure sustainability and avoid depletion of resources.
Water consumption: Consider the amount of water required for growing and processing biomass, aiming for minimal water usage to reduce environmental impact.
Availability and abundance: Choose biomass sources that are readily accessible and abundant, reducing the strain on ecosystems and ensuring long-term availability.
Diversity: Promote the cultivation of a diverse range of biomass sources to enhance resilience against pests, diseases, and environmental changes.
Time: Factor in the time required for biomass to grow and mature, balancing the need for efficient production with sustainable resource management.
Chemicals: Minimize the use of harmful chemicals in both cultivation and processing, prioritizing eco- friendly practices to reduce pollution and health risks.
Breakdown: Consider how easily the chosen materials decompose at the end of their lifecycle, aiming for biodegradability or recyclability to minimize waste and environmental impact.
Below is a material guide to reference when looking for healthier engineered woods, which can also be found throughout Lot21’s material directory.
— Compost Board
— HempWood
— Medite II
— PureBond
To find more information on healthier alternatives for exhibition and fabrication materials please visit Parson’s Healthy Materials Lab Material Collection: Healthier Exhibitions.
