Edinburgh Napier University

  The aim of this project is to design and prototype a new, flatpack, low carbon home accessory for the Scottish tourist, domestic and export markets, using an eco-friendly alternative to medium density fibreboard (MDF), and appropriate Scottish innovative materials and manufacturing methods. Eco friendly is defined as low carbon (ideally plant based) and recyclable or biodegradable.

MDF is made from wood fibres, pressurised and glued together with resin and wax. As well as being used by the company’s competitors, MDF is common in the construction and furniture industries.

MDF is cheap, lightweight, strong, easy to machine cut and can be painted or coated eg. with a melamine paper for a colourful finish.

However, MDF is not eco friendly, even as a byproduct of wood waste. It contains high levels of glue and - with the exception of imported Eco MDF/ Medite Ecologique - high levels of urea-formaldehyde, which makes it hazardous to work with, unsuitable for composting and difficult to recycle.

By comparing the properties of innovative materials eg. hempboard, wood-wool mixes, new FSC certified cardboards, Scottish plywoods and natural woods eg elm, this project aims to find and promote a more eco-friendly Scottish alternative to MDF.