Rethinking Resources Boulevard: experience circularity

The wood-processing industry is making increased use of recycled wood. However, recycling MDF and HDF boards was long considered unthinkable. The binding agents used in production were the main obstacle. At interzum, global wood panel manufacturer Unilin Panels will show that there is another way.

As an exhibitor taking part in the Rethinking Resources Boulevard showcase, Unilin Panels will be presenting a new technology for the recovery of fibres from MDF and HDF boards. The process recovers the wood fibres for reuse in the production of high-quality panel material, thus doubling their life span. The company plans to begin operating the world’s largest industrial plant for MDF recycling in Bazeilles, France, in September 2025. The plant is expected to recycle up to 70,000 tonnes of wood fibres every year.

In keeping with the trade fair motto of Rethinking Resources, fittings specialist Blum will also be appearing on the themed Boulevard. The company’s playful presentation concept focuses on five closed materials cycles. By carefully sorting its steel scrap, the Austrian fittings manufacturer and its partners are making significant strides towards reducing CO₂ emissions.

For example, Blum has developed a resource-efficient cycle for the use of zinc, which sees any excess zinc left over from the die-casting process fed back into the machinery or melted down in order to cast new raw material. On average, the system returns 85 per cent of the waste material to the production process. The company also uses circular workflows in other areas of its business, four of which will be showcased on the Rethinking Resources Boulevard.

The Vita Group will also be presenting a sustainable raw materials strategy on the Rethinking Resources Boulevard. As one of the leading manufacturers of foams for furniture, mattresses and other products, the company was recently awarded a platinum sustainability rating by the EcoVadis assessment platform. With a score of 83 out of 100, the Vita Group is among the top one per cent of the companies assessed.

The foam manufacturer is also committed to a circular economy and works continuously to reduce its carbon footprint. For example, its collection of sustainable PU foam includes products featuring plant-based polyols and polyols sourced from recycled mattresses. Furthermore, the Vita Group produces foam blocks from offcuts of PU foam. First, the trimmed material is shredded to make flakes before it is subjected to a bonding process based on polyurethane chemistry, which cures the blocks using high-pressure steam.

Circular economy principles and bio-based solutions as sustainable sources of materials – these are the main themes of interzum 2025. Through its showcase, the trade fair aims to stimulate fresh ideas for the sustainable use of resources in furniture production and interior design. From 20 to 23 May, the highly industry-relevant central theme will be brought to life on the Rethinking Resources Boulevard and demonstrated in many different ways throughout Cologne’s exhibition halls. Innovative ideas, studies and market-ready solutions will be discussed and presented with a view to continuing progress towards reducing the environmental impact of the furniture and interior design industry.