Recycling MDF – A new era of sustainable materials

This is certainly putting pressure on the whole value chain. For example, the MDF industry is under pressure to use post-consumer MDF in the production of new MDF, and technology providers are being pushed to develop solutions, machinery, and processes for this purpose.

Valmet’s technology helps companies meet high sustainability standards and reduce reliance on virgin wood. With our MDF recycling solutions, we aim to contribute positively to the environment while complying with regulations and market demand.

Paving the way for a circular economy

The global push towards reducing resource use and achieving a circular economy is shaping industries driven by laws and legislation as well as company level sustainability targets. This shift, driven by new laws and legislation, is having a significant impact on the customer segment that produces fiberboard (MDF/HDF). Traditionally, waste MDF and HDF were not recycled and were primarily used for energy purposes. However, this is changing as demand for recycling post-consumer MDF and HDF has risen sharply in recent years.

Treated MDF material.

A noteworthy example is IKEA, a leader in the furniture industry. The company has set ambitious goals with its IKEA Material Direction Wood initiative, including incorporating 15 percent recycled content into fiberboard by 2030 and 40 percent of all MDF sold recycled into particleboard (PB) or fiberboard by 2030. This bold move is setting the tone for the entire value chain, urging the recycling industry to develop systems to reintroduce post-consumer MDF to production, and encouraging technology providers to develop machinery and processes tailored for this purpose.

Europe takes the lead

While Europe is at the forefront of these efforts, other markets are expected to follow. To meet this growing demand, Valmet, as a global leader in fiber preparation systems, has developed its innovative BioTrac™ system. Designed to meet customer needs, the BioTrac™ system enables MDF to be recycled, with capacities from 100 kg/hour to more than 10 tonnes/hour. “It’s inspiring to witness the versatility of our BioTrac™ technology platform. This cutting-edge system is built on well-proven technology, with over 30 units sold globally for various applications. With the addition of MDF recycling, we now proudly offer solutions for five diverse end products: cellulosic ethanol; biochemicals; steam-treated pellets; biogas; and MDF”, explains Mattias Erixon, Manager Sales Biomass conversion TU, Valmet.

BioTrac™ is highly effective in processing MDF into fibers suitable for reintroduction to production.

Innovating for a sustainable future

Extensive internal R&D has revealed that the BioTrac™ system is highly effective in processing MDF into fibers suitable for reintroduction to production. The BioTrac™ pilot facility in Valmet Sundsvall, Sweden, has played a crucial role in these advances and remains available for both in-house and customer trials, ensuring ongoing development and optimization.

MDF raw material – before treatment.

What lies ahead?

With the first reference already sold, the focus is now shifting to ensuring its success as a benchmark for future projects. Valmet aims to continue to promote this groundbreaking solution, expanding its reach as demand grows – first in Europe, then to other parts of the world. Piloting remains an integral part of this journey, supporting clients and driving further innovation through dedicated R&D efforts.

The BioTrac pilot plant in Sundsvall.

The transition to recycling MDF is no longer a distant goal but an imminent reality, and Valmet’s BioTrac™ is at the heart of this transformation. With key industry players and forward-thinking policies, we are shaping a sustainable future for fiberboard production. 

Text Åsa Arencrantz