Researchers have developed a wood glue using purified, recycled industrial biowaste. This development was reported by the University of Birmingham press service.
The adhesive is ethically sourced and biodegradable at end of life, with properties that could position it as a viable replacement for traditional formaldehyde-based glues. Callum Smith, a scientist at BindEthics where the adhesive was created, noted that the product is fully recyclable and can be produced with minimal cost impact to manufacturers. He added that the carbon footprint of this adhesive is about 86 percent lower than that of conventional options.
The glue is produced by washing, filtering, and centrifuging waste from the food industry. The high protein content and polysaccharides present in the waste help promote strong binding, while natural crosslinking agents and solvents derived from biological origin contribute to the formulation. The authors envisioned this adhesive as a replacement for the formaldehyde-based resins used in chipboard, furniture components, building panels, and many other applications. Traditional formaldehyde adhesives pose toxicity concerns and are not suitable for recycling or incineration, which means many products using them end up in landfills.
In related public science updates, researchers have continued to refine bio-based materials to reduce environmental impact and increase compatibility with current manufacturing practices, signaling a broader move toward sustainable alternatives in industrial bonding.