In Colorado, biobased adhesives firm Silvis Materials has announced a partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop formaldehyde-free adhesives for the building materials industry. The collaboration, which is supported by a Department of Energy research agreement, aims to create healthier, more sustainable building solutions and reduce the carbon footprint of the adhesives market.
According to Silvis, the $73-billion adhesives sector has predominantly used formaldehyde-based products in manufacturing common building materials such as particleboard and medium-density fiberboard. Formaldehyde is classified as a known carcinogen by the World Health Organization, with studies indicating that emissions can linger for over five years after installation, posing health risks including respiratory issues and eye irritation.
The biobased adhesives developed through this collaboration promise an up to 80% reduction in carbon emissions.