North American Nonwood Fiber Utilization in Composity Panel Products - Has Its Time Finally Arrived?, 1998 North America Nonwood Fiber Symposium Proceedings

The question is asked whether or not the time has finally arrived for utilization of North American nonwood fiber in composite panel products. The answer to the question is yes, but there are significant qualifications. The most important is that the nonwood panel plants must be capable of competing directly with wood-based plants, especially in terms of raw material and resin costs. This means that raw material collection and pre-preparation must be extremely efftcient. Also, until modified isocyanate resins substantially bring down the cost of using an isocyanate-based resin, it may be necessary to learn to utilize long recognized and accepted urea and phenolic resins in the production of nonwood panels. Nonwood plant managements must disabuse themselves of the notion that formaldehyde-free and water-resistant panels are going to bring a higher price in the high-volume commodity panel market. Only in those cases where there is a specific need for these properties, which come at a substantially higher cost, will the customer agree to pay more. Though there are very significant benefits to be gained with the use of an isocyanate resin (a remarkable highly efficient bonding system), its disadvantages, especially the employee health considerations, demand a very careful approach to its use. Well-trained, knowledgeable personnel in charge and effective venting are mandatory. These regulatory and common sense (and ethical) precautions place further capital cost and operational burdens on small or mini-plants. Generally, the nonwood plants must also compete in terms of plant size. Due to the difficulties of raising capital for large plants based on new technology, consideration could be given to utilization of at least some good used equipment. Innovative plant design, in some cases using old technology that has been considered obsolete, can be employed to achieve product flexibility and lower costs along with obtaining high board quality. Accurate comparative data on raw material preparation methods and costs, resin costs, panel quality, and product flexibility must be developed through realistic laboratory and pilot scale production.