Joined in 2023 
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63 About this deal
Unilin Group has developed a unique innovative technology allowing the recycling of MDF and HDF panels on an industrial scale. This is a world first, because until now this was technically impossible. The new technique will enable Unilin Group to store 380,000 tonnes of CO 2 per year in wood fibres that are given a second life.
In our laboratories we test the reliability of the technology, and we examine whether the concept can be scaled up.” 3. Acceleration phase The main reason we opted for this system are the ecological benefits, not to cut costs. But looking at the cost of PET bottles it’s only natural we’re saving money: the transport and handling by staff, the waste mountain that must be processed, bottle collection, ... “ Developing new products is a bit like looking into the future. The innovations that the Front End Teams (Unilin Flooring and Unilin Panels) come up with today take a decade to hit the shop shelves. It’s a process of trial and error. As part of our eco-design activities, we also take part in the European Circular Sustainable Floor Covering ( CISUFLO ) project, financed by the EU Commission within the scope of the Horizon 2020 program.Quality and design are at the forefront of our products and are supported by our unique and patented technologies such as 100% waterproof surface ranges, scratch resistance and pressed bevel technology to name a few. And Unilin’s in-house patent team also makes a valuable contribution. “Thanks to them we know what is available in the world. But to us they are so much more than merely a source of knowledge: they also help us protect our ideas through patents and, in a later stage, they help us license them.”
A future-proof workplace that lives and breathes individuality – that’s how you could describe Unilin Flooring’s brand-new office in Wielsbeke, West Flanders. Under the motto of practise what you preach, the two office floors were consciously redesigned using the company’s own materials. Eight years ago we planted the first seed that eventually blossomed into a high-tech printing technology. The laminate tiles of the Muse collection and our Master Oak are our showpieces now and they are the product of this technology”, says Benjamin Clement, innovation manager of Unilin Flooring’s Front End Team.“And what we think up today will be marketed in five or six years.” In other words, Benjamin and his team predict the future. At least, they try to, because it is no easy feat. “Nine out of ten projects fail”, he admits. “Failure is part of the course but that makes it all the more rewarding when a project does succeed. That one spark is what drives us.” MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) and HDF (High Density Fibreboard) panels are commonly used in the furniture industry, interior design and in the production of laminate flooring. Every year approximately 100 million m 3 of these fibreboards is produced worldwide. Sustainable productionWe took a creative approach to the various designs and structures from the Decorative Range,” reveals Hanne. “In one of the rooms, we chose Weave wool beige, a design with a silky textile effect that looks blurred from a distance. Oslo oak soft beige was naturally indispensable too. This oak finish, combined with the different floors, creates a fresh and homely feeling. This technology, which has meanwhile been patented, is an absolute world first. The aim is to replace at least 25% of Unilin Group’s raw materials mix for MDF and HDF boards with recycled fibres by 2030. This will enable us to store 380,000 tonnes of CO 2 per year in the wood fibres that are given a new lease of life thanks to this technology. Sustainable choices are coming more and more naturally to colleagues. And they don’t always have to involve major sustainability projects. Even small interventions can generate a positive impact. Our colleagues worldwide are contributing with a range of initiatives and Unilin is more than happy to throw its weight behind them. Carpooling with Rashid and Saad
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