FIBERFIBER MATERIAL

FiberFibers first material innovation deals with the further development of a sustainable and toxin-free material, as also the approach to bring this material into the construction industry. Therefore we collaborated with Fraunhofer WKI Institute, MDF-Manufacturers and got funded by IKEA Foundation among others. The  project was being released from laboratory conditions and transferred to industrial pilot plants. The first usecase was in the Futurium Berlin, it was exhibited in the Radical Craft 2 exhibition in the Direktorenhaus (Museum of Art, Craft and Design), and elsewhere.

This was preceded by the realisation that commercially available wood fibre boards carry formaldehyde, the added adhesive, unrestricted into the human habitat, although it is considered to be a source of harmful vapours. The material made from recycled wood fibres and a biodegradable glue made of milk waste. Therefore, resources are being saved by increasing the use of recycled materials. The wood is kept as natural as possible and not mixed with any substances such as petrochemical substances or cement, which are harmful for the environment and cannot be separated from the wood after end of life.

​

Milk is a product that has to be disposed of quickly due to strict food regulations. Two million litres per year in Germany have to be thrown away. The milk proteins extracted from these residues can be used to produce a natural adhesive. Thus, despite the origin from agriculture, there is no food competition. Casein produces very strong, high molecular weight compounds and, compared to other organic glues, has a higher resistance to moisture. The material undergoes various quality tests. It exceeds the highest stability standards for MDF according to DIN. Therefore the material was able to prove itself as a full-value, medium-density fiberboard.