Alternative interior design solutions

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a frequently used component in the construction and furniture industries. Many interzum exhibitors are committed to manufacturing their products from locally sourced, certified timber. One such example is Grupo Alvic, whose panels are also plastic-free and 100 per cent recyclable. The Spanish company uses an eco-design technique to develop decorative surfaces that are coated in such a way that no volatile organic compounds are released into the atmosphere. For its upcoming appearance at interzum, the company has developed a stand concept featuring reusable modules.

To make MDF even more sustainable, pilot studies are currently focusing on the product components. For example, the insiGlue project aims to develop a formaldehyde-free, bio-based adhesive system suitable for the manufacturing process. The system uses biological materials that are commercially available at low cost. The objective is to produce MDF with lower emissions, thereby improving its sustainability. The project, which began in January, is a collaboration between the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research (Fraunhofer WKI) and interzum exhibitor Sonae Arauco. This international manufacturer of wood-based materials is also planning to open a fibreboard recycling plant in 2025.

As a renewable raw material, wood is ideally suited for the circular economy. At its interzum exhibition stand, Europe’s leading hardwood processor will explain how timber can be used sustainably. Pollmeier, based in Thuringia in the heart of Germany, will show how an uninterrupted chain of custody is achieved in the wood processing industry. The company partners with PEFC, the world’s largest institution dedicated to ensuring sustainable forestry through an independent certification system. They will be joined by a certified forest owner, who will offer insights into real-world implementation and show how wood from verified sustainable sources is prepared for interior construction applications.

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified is another internationally recognised sustainability label. The certification system assesses products across categories including circularity and material health. The chipboard and fibreboard products manufactured by interzum exhibitor Unilin Panels recently obtained Version 4.0 C2C certification. According to the company, this makes it the first in the industry to meet these standards, which assess the entire life cycle of the products concerned, factoring in their ability to be reused or recycled. In addition, the company plans to open an industrial-scale recycling plant for MDF and HDF panels in September 2025.

Furniture components can also play a role in the circular economy. Suppliers like Rehau are advancing sustainable interior design with new storage elements made from recycled materials. The company’s Rauvolet eco tambour door system has been on the market since the beginning of the year. Its base material is composed of 100 per cent post-industrial recycled polypropylene (rPP) – a reclaimed material that the manufacturer purchases from certified suppliers. Using this system, scrap PP products are fed back into the cycle.

Manufacturers of components used in interior construction are facing increasing environmental and regulatory challenges. Not only are sustainability requirements being tightened across the board, but global warming potential also has to be reduced in line with industry targets. Finding circular-ready alternatives will help to achieve compliance with the regulations and meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly products. The upcoming edition of interzum, taking place in Cologne from 20 to 23 May 2025, will showcase some of the innovations driving progress in this area.