Environmental compatibility is one of the most important issues of our time. This also applies to the thermosetting material HPL. HPL usually contains FSC or PEFC-certified cellulose with a proportion of approximately 70 percent. For European manufacturers, the approximately 30 percent resin content (phenol, melamine) in HPL meets the strict EU REACH requirements. In addition, HPL composite elements based on wood-based substrates, which consist of a substrate (e.g., chipboard or fiberboard) and HPL cover layers, are easily recyclable. HPL composite elements with chipboard and MDF substrates can be reused as material if they comply with, for example, waste wood category II of the German Waste Wood Ordinance.
The main advantages of HPL are its durability and the high proportion of renewable raw materials (paper, some of which is recycled). Depending on the application (indoor vs. outdoor, HPL compact vs. HPL composite elements, etc.) and conditions of use, the products have a service life of at least 20 to 50 years. This means that the carbon content in the material is stored for a very long time compared to many other products in the furniture and construction sector. HPL is often replaced simply because of changing design requirements (e.g., new color trends), even though the technical requirements are still being met. HPL composite elements with chipboard and MDF substrates can be reused as material if they comply with, for example, waste wood category II of the German Waste Wood Ordinance.
The non-porous and homogeneous surface of HPL is easy to clean; chemical cleaning agents are not required. Its high scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance ensure that damage is reduced and the effort involved in replacement and thus the renewed use of materials and resources is significantly reduced. Proof of the robust quality of HPL is its use in areas subject to high mechanical stress, such as impact protection in public buildings.
All these properties mean that HPL is characterized by a high degree of resource conservation and sustainability.
