10 | News
Saint-Gobain invests in Plantics BV
Saint-Gobain Benelux has announced via the Group’s venture arm Nova by Saint- Gobain, a minority equity investment in the privately- owned bio-based resin company Plantics BV. The collaboration will allow
both companies to combine their R&D capabilities, manufacturing expertise, and market reach. Together, Saint-Gobain and Plantics will develop
innovative circular construction materials using the 100% bio-based thermoset Plantics resin. “We are thrilled to partner with Plantics, a pioneer in sustainable bio-based material technologies,” said Frank te Poel, CEO, Saint-Gobain Gypsum and Insulation Benelux. “This collaboration will accelerate our innovation efforts towards more circular, light and sustainable solutions
EPF makes two new appointments
The European Panel Federation (EPF) has recruited two new members of staff – a technical adviser and a new administrative officer. Duarte Carvalho is the new
technical adviser, bringing experience in engineering consultancy and sustainability, boosting EPF’s technical resource for current and future challenges. Mr Carvalho, a Portuguese national living in Brussels, holds a degree in civil engineering and worked most recently in construction consultancy.
EPF has also welcomed Aline Kongo as a new
administrative officer. Ms Kongo was born in Brussels from Congolese heritage and holds a master’s degree in communication. She is a native French speaker, and is also fluent in English, and Japanese. Ms Kongo brings significant experience in administration and communication, which will help to ensure the smooth operation and functioning of EPF’s work in Brussels and with members.
She most recently worked in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign affairs on matters such as diplomacy and cultural implementation.
Swiss Krono makes progress in Menznau recycling plant rebuild
Panel manufacturer Swiss Krono is making progress in the rebuilding of its Menznau recycling plant, which was destroyed by fire in August 2023. The company said construction work on the
replacement of the recycling plant started in January and would continue for several months on site. It is looking forward to a modern, efficient plant at the end of the process.
for the construction sector.” “We are proud and excited
to team up with Saint- Gobain, a global leader in the construction industry,” added Wridzer Bakker, CEO of Plantics BV. “We look forward to
combining our expertise and resources to bring new technologies to market and enhance our operational capabilities to deliver competitive and sustainable
solutions to the building sector.”
Plantics’ resin is used for
wood and hemp-based panels. The raw material for the resin is based on waste material from plants. The companies held a
poster presentation at the European Wood-based Panels Symposium in Hamburg last October, reporting strong interest from wood panel manufacturers in its product.
Valmet to deliver chipper feeding line upgrade to Unilin Panels
Valmet is to deliver a chipper feeding line upgrade to the wood yard of Unilin Panels in Vielsalm, Belgium. The order was received in Q4, 2024 and the value of the order will not be disclosed. The delivery will take place during the mill’s annual shutdown in the third quarter of 2025.
The mill’s current chipper feeding line is approaching the end of its lifecycle, leading to chip quality variation and limited production capacity. Mechanical wearing of inlet parts increases the risk of discharged metal parts in the chipper.
“The chipper feeding line upgrade with the new infeed chute, open top spout and durable chipper hood will extend the lifetime of our wood yard area and secure a safe operation environment for our employees for the next years,” said Antoine Deparpe,
improvement engineering manager at Unilin Panels. “We are looking forward
to the upgrade and improvements in the chip consistency.”
The chipper feeding line upgrade includes the delivery of several parts, such as infeed chute, spout, durable chipper hood, couplings, bearing assemblies as well as the installation of those parts. Unilin Panels produces
innovative wood panel solutions for the construction and interior sectors. The production unit in Vielsalm, Belgium, produces MDF for domestic and international customers. “We are thankful for this opportunity to deliver this customised solution to Unilin Panels, as it shows our expertise also in wood yard upgrades,” said Nils Anspach, product sales manager at Valmet.
Above: Rebuilding work at the Menznau recycling plant WBPI | February/March 2025 |
www.wbpionline.com
Above: Valmet will deliver a chipper feeding line upgrade to the wood yard of Unilin Panels in Vielsalm, Belgium
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