HPL: Paths to a greener future

The environmental footprint of products and materials is one of the top issues of our time. This also applies to the durable material HPL. HPL usually contains FSC- or PEFC-certified cellulose with a proportion of approx. 70 percent. For European manufacturers, the approximately 30 percent resin content in HPL is certified in accordance with the strict EU REACH criteria. The main advantages of HPL are its durability and the high proportion of renewable raw materials (paper, partly with recycled content). Depending on the application (e.g. indoor vs. outdoor) and conditions of use, the products last 20 to 50 years in use. This means that the carbon content in the material is stored for a relatively long time compared to many other products in the furniture and construction sector. Apart from that, HPL is easy to clean – the use of chemical cleaning agents is not necessary –, and its high resistance properties ensure that the occurrence of damage is reduced and the cost of replacement and thus the use of new materials and resources is significantly reduced. However, there are still some challenges for which the industry has not yet found solutions. At present, out-of-service-HPL are burnt in waste incineration plants to generate energy. However, material recycling of HPL after the use phase may be technically feasible and economically attractive. The focus of Fraunhofer WKI in cooperation with ICDLI is therefore on a possible circular economy with HPL and an increased use of bio-based resins which will lead to improved resource efficiency in the furniture and interior design sector.