An innovation from Borregaard makes it possible to produce corrugated board without adding boron derivatives in the glue. “This solution is a response to regulatory concerns about borates, as well as improving productivity and quality of the board,” says Project Director for Exilva, Per-Ivar Heier at Borregaard.
Boron derivatives, classified by the European Chemical Agency as ‘Substances of Very High Concern’ suspected of damaging fertility and the unborn child, are used in the adhesive to produce corrugated board. The starch glue suppliers and the corrugated board industry have not yet been able to replace these hazardous compounds. Over a period of more than two years, Norway-based Glomma Papp has, together with Borregaard and the Exilva innovation, extensively tested, produced and developed corrugated board solutions with no added boron.
“We wanted a boron free solution. We have used Exilva as a productivity enhancer. Doing this, we have an option to step by step reduce the boron compounds in the glue in a controlled manner. Exilva enables us to run smoother, faster and with improved quality and speed. Based on the production of 70 million sqm board with Exilva, we’ve measured production improvements of 14% and reduced warp of 11%,” says Corrugator Supervisor, Jan Berg, at Glomma Papp.
Borregaard has innovated this new Microfibrillated Cellulose technology called Exilva, a completely natural and sustainable wood-based solution. The product has a unique combination of robustness and rheological properties creating a strong network that enables the replacement of boron derivatives in corrugated starch glue systems.
Exilva has received funding from the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 709746.
Jan Berg showing the strong glue properties produced by Exilva. No delamination issues.
