Pfleiderer develops plant-based board

Troubled panels and engineered timber producer Pfleiderer has developed a board made from fibrous plants in order to reduce the company’s dependence on the wood market and protect it from timber price rises.

Around 30% of BalanceBoard is made from fibrous annuals which are available in large quanities close to Pfleiderer’s production facility. “Supplies of our organic alternative to wood will be available for generations to come, fulfilling all the requirements for running a sustainable and responsible operation,” said head of Pfleiderer Group Technology Dr Hans-Kurt von Werder.

The new product is nearly one-third lighter than standard chipboard but fulfils the same technical requirements.

“Installers will not need new eqiupment, special fixings or new techniques,” said Dr von Werder.

The company unveiled the new board this week at Bau 2011 in Munich.