The ESCIB project, a European Union-funded project focused on advancing the sustainability of the bio-based economy, successfully held its first project meeting on June 13-14, 2024, in Ghent and Wielsbeke, Belgium.
The ESCIB project aims to develop a comprehensive, robust and fully operational methodology to assess the sustainability of bio-based systems at various technology-readiness levels. This two-day gathering brought together leading universities, research institutions, and innovative industry partners from across Europe. The venue alternated between Unilin Panels, a prominent manufacturer of wood-based panels, and Ghent University's Faculty of Bio-Science Engineering for a productive two-day session.
Figure 1 The ESCIB Consortium at the Project Progress Meeting
The ESCIB project meeting discussed the project progress, focusing on industrial biobased systems, sustainability and circularity assessment methods. A particular highlight included a visit to Unilin Panels, showcasing their commitment to sustainability through their ‘One Home’ Strategy and the leading circularity practices, only using recovered wood for their wood-based panels. The Unilin Chipboard is a frontrunner in terms of circularity thanks to its 95% recycled wood content. This exemplifies the project's dedication to promoting environmentally responsible practices within the bio-based sector.
Figure 2 Site Visit at Unilin Panels
About Unilin Panels
Unilin Panels is a prominent manufacturer of wood-based panels, catering to both the construction and interior design sectors. Their diverse product range includes chipboard and MDF panels, high-pressure laminate panels, and melamine-faced panels. These panels find applications in furniture, cabinetry, countertops, and other surfaces. Unilin Panels prioritizes sustainability through its One Home strategy. This comprehensive approach sets ambitious targets to reduce Unilin’s impact on the climate, people, and the environment. This demonstrates Unilin Panels’ commitment to make high-quality products and environmental responsibility.
With the involvement of industry partners who represent diverse sectors such as packaging, textiles, chemicals, and building materials, like Unilin Panels, the project ensures its methodologies will be highly applicable across various bio-based products.
Contact
WIP Renewable Energies, Germany
Dominik Rutz, Email: dominik.rutz@wip-munich.de
Chuan Ma, Email: chuan.ma@wip-munich.de
ESCIB website: www.escib.eu
ESCIB Consortium - Powerful Partnerships Driving Change
• WIP Renewable Energies, Germany
• Gent University, Belgium
• Utrecht University, the Netherlands
• Technical University of Munich, Germany
• Association for the development of Industrial Aerodynamics, Portugal
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland
• GROWN Bio, the Netherlands
• Bio Based Supply, the Netherlands
• Lenzing, Austria
• Unilin, Luxembourg
• Stora Enso, Finland
• Quantis, Switzerland
The ESCIB project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme under grant agreement No. 101135071.
