Circular Economy of Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) and Medium-Density Particleboard (MDP): Challenges and Advances in Sustainability and Production Processes

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21664/2238-8869.2025v14i3.7924

Keywords:

medium density particleboard, medium density fiberboard, lyfe cycle, reuse

Abstract

The wood-based panel industry, MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) and MDP (Medium-Density Particleboard), plays a fundamental role in the construction sector and mobile industry, as well as contributing to the use of waste and carbon storage. However, challenges such as the environmental stress of production, the use of synthetic, toxic resins and limitations in the reuse of these materials have generated growing interest in more sustainable measures. The present study aims to review the literature in the period 1945-2024 on the environmental, technological and sustainability aspects of these materials, seeking to identify measures to improve reuse, minimize environmental impacts and innovate with circular economy practices. A narrative review was carried out, using the Web of Science platform, of studies that evaluate the life cycle of MDF and MDP. The study highlighted aspects such as environmental impacts, technical feasibility and innovation using applied technology, using an integrative and critical approach to the results achieved. The results highlighted that the replacement of synthetic resins with biodegradable alternatives, such as Ulva algae-based adhesives, and the use of paper waste in MDF, proved to be effective strategies for reducing carbon emissions and environmental toxicity. The reuse of MDF waste through processes such as thermal hydrolysis has allowed us to recover usable fibers, despite technical challenges related to maintaining mechanical properties. The analysis showed that MDF and MDP have great development potential through the application of circular economic practices and technological innovations. Strategies such as fiber recycling, the use of biodegradable adhesives and the recovery of industrial waste are promising solutions to reduce environmental impacts and meet the demands of the sustainability plan and the 2030 agenda.

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Published

2025-09-04

How to Cite

GONÇALVES, Gabriel Garcia; DIAS, Lucas Danilo. Circular Economy of Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) and Medium-Density Particleboard (MDP): Challenges and Advances in Sustainability and Production Processes. Fronteiras - Journal of Social, Technological and Environmental Science, [S. l.], v. 14, n. 3, p. 154–160, 2025. DOI: 10.21664/2238-8869.2025v14i3.7924. Disponível em: https://revistas.unievangelica.edu.br/index.php/fronteiras/article/view/7924. Acesso em: 7 sep. 2025.