What Happens to BIOMEBOARD™ at the End of Its Life?
People often ask what happens to a board when a desk or wall panel is no longer needed. Here is a straight answer about BIOMEBOARD™, including what we do not yet know.
What do we know?
- It is listed as recyclable in its original form. This is a statement in our data sheet. It means the board can be reprocessed and not only dumped.
- It is mostly plant material. About 95% of the board is wheat straw. That makes it closer to a natural fibre product than a plastic composite.
- It is not mixed with a lot of resin. The binder is about 5% of the board.
What do we not know yet?
- Biodegradability. We have no test showing how fast, or if, the board breaks down in soil or compost. So we do not call it biodegradable.
- Landfill savings. We have not measured how much waste it saves compared with other boards.
- A recycling route. We do not currently run a programme that collects old boards and makes new ones from them.
Why we say this plainly
Many products use words like "eco-friendly" without proof. Architects and sustainability teams are asking tougher questions, such as what happens in twenty years and what evidence supports it. A vague answer loses trust faster than an honest one.
What can you do with an old board today?
- Reuse it. Boards can often be cut down for new shelves, signs or small furniture.
- Pass it to a workshop that can reuse offcuts.
- Ask us. We would like to learn how customers use leftover boards.
What is coming next?
We plan to pursue an Environmental Product Declaration, which is an outside-verified document covering a product's life cycle. We do not hold one yet. We would also like to explore ways to take back boards at the end of a project.
How does this compare with MDF?
MDF fibres are locked in formaldehyde-based resin, so they are hard to separate. A lot of MDF ends up in landfill or is burned. No board is perfect, but a plant-based board with a small amount of binder starts from a better place.
Design tips to make boards last longer
- Keep them away from water.
- Use good joinery so parts can be repaired.
- Choose finishes that can be renewed.
- Keep records of the material, so it can be reused later.
FAQs
Is BIOMEBOARD™ recyclable?
It is listed as recyclable in its original form. A formal recycling programme does not exist yet.
Is BIOMEBOARD™ biodegradable?
We have not tested it, so we do not say so.
Can I compost it?
We do not recommend it. It has a binder and is made for long indoor use.
Can it be burned?
Do not burn boards to dispose of them. Reuse or ask a waste handler.
Will you take back old boards?
Not yet. Tell us if you have a project where this would help.
How long does BIOMEBOARD™ last?
We have not run long-term wear tests, so we do not give a lifespan. Dry indoor use and good care help any board last longer.
Have a question about disposal? Write to us.