Online Seminar

Formaldehyde-free adhesives form the focal point of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research WKI’s 18^th Webinar on 17.12.2013 at 15:00.

Since 1986, the formaldehyde release from wood-based materials and products manufactured therefrom may not, in Germany, exceed an equilibrium concentration of 0.1 ppm (Emission Class 1, Chamber Method EN 717-1). The reduction of permitted formaldehyde emissions from wood-based materials with formaldehyde-containing adhesives as well as products manufactured therefrom has been taking place for years. In addition to the legal requirements, voluntary, stricter limits have also been established. Additionally, regulations in Japan and the USA, as well as the recommendations in the E1plus Standard, have led to a further reduction in formaldehyde emissions from wood-based materials.

In December 2012, the Risk Assessment Advisory Committee (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) agreed to a reclassification of formaldehyde (Mutagen Category 2 and Carcinogen Category1B = presumably carcinogenic to humans). Following the specified implementation steps, the reclassification of formaldehyde could become legally binding from the middle of 2015. The extent of the effect of the reclassification on the production of wood-based materials can not currently be foreseen.

During the Online Seminar, previous approaches to formaldehyde-free adhesives at the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research will be introduced. In particular, results of investigations from a current research project, carried out in co-operation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, will be presented. The seminar will deal with the application of new formaldehyde-free melamine resins as adhesives for particle boards, medium-density fibreboards and plywood. The Webinar is primarily directed at participants from the wood-based materials industry, the adhesives industry and the furniture industry.  

We warmly invite you to take part in the Webinar and to discuss the subject with us.