Key challenges

Conventional fossil-based adhesives, widely used in industries such as construction, furniture and packaging, are derived from non-renewable petroleum resources, significantly contributing to carbon emissions and environmental pollution. These adhesives release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous substances, posing serious health risks to manufacturers and end-users. Also, their persistence in the environment complicates recycling and waste management processes of adhesive-containing composites.

How we reached the goals

Spinverse funding experts from the bioeconomy team supported the SUSPENSE consortium in preparing the project proposal. Upon the successful outcome of the proposal submittance, our experts also supported CHIMAR in the Grant Agreement Preparation (GAP) process. Spinverse will continue to collaborate with the consortium by providing project management support services.

Key takeaways

The SUSPENSE consortium will focus on creating adhesives from renewable feedstocks such as bio-acids, polyphenolics, proteins and other bio-derived materials. The developed adhesives will meet market demands and regulatory standards and will be used in wood-based panels such as plywood, particle board and MDF, as well as wood-based insulation materials. The technical performance of the adhesives will be validated through comprehensive industrial testing.

Impact of the project

The project aims to tackle the challenges of environmental pollution and resource depletion, health concerns from toxic chemicals in conventional adhesives and economic instability due to reliance on non-renewable raw materials.