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An Indian designer turned pine-needles into wood-like products

Date:22/07/2019

Country: India

Plant Name:

    Pine

Residue Name:

    Leaves

End Products

Biomaterials

sheets,furniture

Application

  • The pine needle-based composite material can be molded into sheets, pressed into molds, or used to create wood-like products.

Description

This innovative project, led by Gaurav Wali, transforms pine needles, a highly flammable and abundant forest waste, into a sustainable, eco-friendly material. By separating the fibers and binding them with natural binders and waxes, a unique composite material is created, boasting features such as recyclability, fire resistance, water repellency, and zero pollution. This versatile material can be molded into various forms, offering a promising alternative to wood and terracotta, while also reducing forest fire risks by utilizing a hazardous waste product.

Pathway Description:

The process involves separating the fibers from pine needles and combining them with natural binders and waxes to form a bio-composite material. The mixture is processed into sheets or molded into various shapes, creating a material that is recyclable, fire-retardant, water-repellent, and biodegradable. This eco-friendly method repurposes pine needles, reducing forest fire risks while producing sustainable, versatile products. The material mimics the appearance and functionality of low-density fiberboard or terracotta.

Source: Know More...

Tags: Pine Needle Composite MaterialPine Needle-Based ProductsPine Needle Biomaterials

End Products

Biomaterials

sheets,furniture

Feedstock

Types of Feedstock

Forest residue

Name

Pine-needles

Form

Fibrous dried needles

Commercials

Low-cost and abundant raw material with no competitive uses

Logistics

Collected from forested areas

Characteristics

Water-repellent, Fire-retardant, Lightweight

Pathways

Chemical

Binding

Mechanical

Decortication