Member news
W Howard Ltd, has agreed a multi-year licence for the use of MDF Recovery’s unique MDF recycling technology to produce loose-fill wood fibre insulation in the UK & Irish markets. Work on a new facility in Newtown Powys has started and first production is expected early next year.
Natural insulation is one of the fastest growing market sectors in Europe. In a growing market for natural construction materials, wood fibre has many benefits including ease of use, thermal mass, breathability and appeal to increasingly CO2 conscious house builders and consumers.
“This is a very exciting collaboration between two Woodknowledge Wales members. Making better use of waste wood is just as important as growing more trees. Added to that, the UK desperately needs domestic production of wood fibre insulation. I’m delighted that this ground-breaking project is combining both insulation production and the upcycling of waste wood and is happening in Wales.” Gary Newman, CEO, Woodknowledge Wales
“MDF Recovery’s technology is unique and we are delighted to have obtained the exclusive licence for the production of loose fill insulation in the UK and Ireland,. As a company, we are always seeking new and innovative products that fit in our vision of ‘products in every home’. The demand for natural building materials is only going to increase and the addition of a recycled wood fibre insulation is an exciting addition to our product portfolio,” Jonathan Grant, Group Chief Executive, W Howard
The latest information from FAOSTAT indicates that over 110 million m3 of MDF was produced around the world in 2021. Significant volumes of waste are generated as new MDF boards are converted into products such as furniture and shop fittings with more material entering the waste stream at the end of its first user life. Until the advent of MDF Recovery’s patented and cost-effective technology, far too much of this waste has been sent to landfill or incinerated. W. Howard will now also be able to recover their waste products as well as offering its customers a closed loop supply chain so they can return end of life products for conversion back into to wood fibre for insulation.
“W Howard’s commitment and investment in the first production plant using our technology is a significant step forward for MDF Recovery. The market, governments and consumers are all keen to encourage re-use of materials and the circular economy. Waste MDF – either during processing or at end of life – is no longer a problem that has to be dealt with, but a valuable resource of high-quality wood fibres. We look forward to seeing W Howard’s loose fill insulation product meeting the needs of house builders and the construction industry across the UK and Ireland.” Craig Bartlett, CEO, W Howard
The past three months have been momentous for MDF Recovery. The deal with W Howard comes soon after the announcement of a global partnership with PAL, part of the Italian multi-national equipment manufacturer IMAL PAL, for the use of MDF Recovery’s technology in MDF manufacturing and a successful £1.7 million pound fund raising.
