The fiberboard and laminate flooring industry has long faced a significant challenge—recycling. The binders used in MDF and HDF have traditionally made recycling nearly impossible. The patented Osiris technology presents a breakthrough solution that benefits both the environment and the bottom line. By utilizing a steam explosion process, Osiris efficiently separates wood fibers while preserving fiber quality. For the first time, waste fiberboards can be reintegrated into production at an industrial scale, paving the way for a more sustainable future whilst offering substantial operational savings.
Osiris is the first patented industrialized technology that enables large-scale recycling of waste fiberboards and laminate flooring. Traditionally, fiberboards at the end of their lifecycle have been destined for landfills or incineration due to the lack of viable recycling solutions. With Osiris, waste wood fibers can now be reintroduced into production alongside virgin wood fibers, creating new high-quality fiberboards.
“Osiris is a game-changer for the industry,” states Louis Van Roy, Business Development Director at Unilin Technologies. “With Osiris, we are setting a new standard for sustainable manufacturing, ensuring that waste is no longer a limitation but a resource.”
The journey of this revolutionary technology began in 2021. Fiberboards, such as MDF and HDF, primarily consist of wood fibers and a binder component. Historically, the binder component has been the main obstacle in fiberboard recycling. Utilizing a steam explosion process, Osiris effectively separates the shell from the board while maintaining the high-quality standards required for cost-effective fiberboard production.
“This technology is not just about sustainability—it also makes economic sense,” adds Louis Van Roy. “By reducing reliance on virgin wood fibers, Osiris helps lower production costs while promoting a more responsible use of resources.”
The impressive business case for Osiris has been thoroughly tested at Unilin’s Panels division plant in Bazeilles (France), where the Osiris 1.0 pilot line has been successfully implemented and validated since 2022. In 2024, Unilin invested in a scaled up production line which will be fully operational in 2025.
Apart from using the technology for Unilin’s own production purposes, Osiris is exclusively available for licensing through Unilin in collaboration with its partner Dieffenbacher, which provides the necessary machinery and equipment integration. This partnership represents a shared vision of innovation and sustainability, with both companies committed to driving transformative change in the fiberboard and laminate flooring industry.
Through its collaboration with Dieffenbacher, Osiris seamlessly integrates into industrial operations of varying characteristics, providing flexibility for businesses across different setups and scales. Designed with future expansions in mind, Osiris ensures compatibility with both present and long-term operational requirements. Whether implemented in new setups or integrated into existing workflows, Osiris takes into account the needs of each production process.