Bangor University Emissions Chamber

Tender description

Recycling and reuse of waste wood is a core requirement of UK and European waste directives, and although there may be divergence on certain aspects, a simple aim remains that, where possible, recycled wood should be used for products rather than energy production. The current recycling system recognises waste wood as an important feedstock, with its value dependent on quality, as defined by a four tier grading system (A for clean wood to D for contaminated wood). The valuable A and B grades are predominantly processed for panel manufacture or for energy production, with significant exports to European partners. This, however, results in larger timbers being processed for feedstocks rather than reused in new products. Reuse of solid timber (which can be recycled at a later stage) increases both the value of the waste and the effective lifespan of the timber, enhancing positive aspects of embodied carbon storage. In order to safely reuse solid timber in various applications, the environmental emission assessment is critical. Formaldehyde and VOC emissions of solid wood waste classes can help to better understanding the materials itself and optimise their recycling and reuse potential. The emissions chamber would provide the needed information for accomplishing the knowledge base to better understand and utilise wood waste.