A consortium of European companies is researching and developing forest-based biocomposites as alternatives to traditional construction materials. The Osirys Project (www.osirysproject.eu) will develop products for facades and interior partitions that can be used in new builds or retrofitted. The four-year project will work with new eco-friendly building materials, which provide a healthier indoor environment, to develop a holistic solution to the emissions challenges currently facing the construction industry. Indoor air quality and emissions have presented a major challenge in recent decades for scientists, industry and consumers as conventional materials contribute to contaminants, such as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), formaldehyde. The new materials are to improve air quality by eliminating microorganisms, increasing thermal and acoustic insulation and controlling breathability.

According to Osirys, thermoset epoxy resins based in forest wastes and thermoplastic lignin-base polymer will be reinforced with natural fibres such as wood, flax and hemp. In addition, cork granules will be used for insulation performance. The project has now launched a website which hosts information and news on developments throughout its lifespan. Chris Hare, technical manager at UK-based NetComposites (Chesterfield; www.netcomposites.com), one of the consortium members, says: “We anticipate many interesting discussions between partners and the public across many platforms, and look forward to results which will benefit industry and users alike.”

The research has received funding from the European Community’s "Seventh Framework Programme". The consortium comprises 18 companies from the UK, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Italy and Portugal.