Wood flooring is the most ecologically friendly option available. In general, the residuals generated during the production of wood flooring are not trash. Many producers end up using or selling almost all of their overstock. According to the Pellet Fuels Institute, in 2020, wood pellet producers sold 2.18 million tons of wood pellets for space heating. So they generate more than $350 million in income.
What happens to the residues left behind from the procedure in most plants?
Lumber is planned and torn during the manufacture of wood flooring, and the resulting dust is collected. The larger pieces go into a grinder, while the smaller particles go into a dust collector. Which discharges into either a trailer or a silo. When the machines are functioning, they produce anything from a small shaving to a large strip of wood. And make four to five truckloads of dust every day.
After the fact, some industries use a portion of the trash to heat the kilns while drying green timber. Then, generate around 75 tons of bricks every week, as well as 50 tons of lighter-weight furniture. Others go into a large silo and supply the boiler with fuel to generate steam for the dry kilns, which dry the timber. The remaining material is sent to pellet and wood flour mills. The hardwood sawdust may also be used to make wood pellets for the heating and grilling markets.
Upcycling these products can generate additional revenue. A few companies sell it to the pellet factories and the wood flour mills. Others use waste materials to make useful items, which lowers disposal costs and appeals to eco-conscious consumer groups.
Methods to reuse the scraps that improve the wood’s sustainability story
A competent steward of 100% of the resource is someone who processes it rather than simply disposing of it. Real wood is a far more environmentally friendly alternative than most people realize.
Some byproducts are repurposed into other items. For example, wood pellets used in boilers are a clean-burning fuel. Wood is the only thing from which wood pellets can be made. If hardwood disappeared, there would be no wood pellets to burn in wood fire stoves or pellet grills, which are currently a thriving business.
An industry that produces no waste can convey a vertically integrated tale, from the tree to the hardwood flooring. Then use the byproducts and waste stream to create a sustainable product. This demonstrates a dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Furthermore, residuals may be utilized as a bio-based fuel, reducing a manufacturer’s reliance on fossil fuels while lessening their environmental impact. Manufacturers also stated that the days of utilizing only what you need and discarding the remainder are past. With fewer sawmills still in operation, the demand for residuals remains high. Quality control and consistency are critical to success. Remember that wood floors take fewer raw materials and components to manufacture than other flooring alternatives.