Eco Wheat Board
Straw Board
Particle Board Alternatives
This article focuses on the eco properties of wheat / straw board as an alternative to particle board. As with all manufactured materials it's important to check whether the production process adds in chemical and synthetic binders and adhesives. Although not widely available as yet, this board is becoming the popular choice as the wheat grain is grown globally - making local production possible.
Description
♦ Eco wheat board / straw board / wheat sheet is board produced from compressed straw rather than wood fibres compressed with chemical resins
♦ The alternative material for medium density fibreboard (MDF) and timber fibre particle board
♦ The wheat /straw is a waste by product from harvesting
♦ The wheat / straw is finely ground, dried, bound with a resin, compressed into sheets, sanded and cut to size
Uses
♦ Non structural panels and particleboards for ceilings, wall coverings, doors, furniture, cabinetry and flooring
Cost
♦ Inexpensive
Advantages
♦ Highly suitable for laminate surfacing, painting and staining
♦ Lighter in weight than wood fibre particleboard
♦ Easy to transport
♦ Better moisture resistance than wood fibre particleboard
♦ High level of fixing retention (nails and screws)
♦ Zero formaldehyde used in production as the binding agent
♦ Use of this product reduces the need for timber fibres
♦ Suited to the same machining methods as wood fibre particleboard
Disadvantages
♦ Product is not widely known about, lack of local distributors and retailers
Embodied Energy
♦ Lower embodied energy than particleboard
♦ Lower amount of emissions created during production
♦ Energy used to heat the panels to a high temperature during manufacture
♦ Lighter weight means less energy used for transportation per kilogramme
Source/Origin
♦ Readily available wherever wheat crops are farmed
Renewable
♦ This natural, renewable and sustainable plant fibre is harvested annually
Environment & Health
♦ Using waste from wheat harvesting, this method reduces the demand for timber, which in turn reduces the need to destroy forests & landscapes
♦ These products are emission free in both manufacture and use an alternative chemical binder such as methyl diphenyl disocyanate (MDI) which is a formaldehyde free and fast-curing resin
♦ MDI is a synthetic substance, can cause allergens and sensitivities
♦ MDI emits much lower levels of VOCs than other synthetic binders
Performance
♦ Manufactured with industrial grade strength
♦ Out performs timber based particle board
Recycled content
♦ n/a
Recyclable
♦ Currently no examples found of post consumer use wheat / straw boards being recycled
Disposal / Biodegradable
♦ Manufacture of wheat board uses a waste product of agriculture
Ethics
♦ This waste by product creates a second means of income for farmers
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