What is the Project?
CERTIFIED CIRCULAR MATERIALS FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT – that’s the essence of the project. HONEXT® boards are at the forefront of innovation, combining circular by design principles with flame-retardant performance to create safe and sustainable materials for the built environment. These boards are manufactured using 100% industrial waste that is upcycled into a fully recyclable material, free of toxic chemicals. The process is truly groundbreaking – a biotech, resins-free technology that originates from research and decades of collaboration with experts at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and the Merino family. It started with a vision to protect the planet and has grown into a distinctive alternative for interior construction.
Main Benefits
The key benefits of these boards are both technical and environmental. The following bullet points outline some of the main features and data points that make them a preferred choice in sustainable building materials:
- Circular by design – the boards are certified as circular, ensuring that they can be recycled after use.
- Low-emissions and certified for material health – safe for humans and the planet without the addition of formaldehyde or VOCs.
- Flame-retardant and non-toxic – available in Class B fire reaction and Material Health Silver status, addressing both safety and environmental concerns.
- Versatile installation – can be processed with standard industry equipment and adapted to different technical specifications.
- Innovative applications – the material is used in acoustic panels, wall cladding, partition walls, and circular furniture.
Innovative Building Materials
HONEXT® boards offer a highly versatile, certified alternative for interior building materials and public spaces. With applications such as acoustic panels and wall cladding, the material meets international building standards, like EUROCLASS B-s1,d0 for wall cladding and acoustic panels in public spaces. In addition, the boards deliver aesthetic and functional benefits like sound absorbency, breathability, and low thermal conductivity. The lightweight and flexible nature of the product accommodates complex design work and can be easily cut, glued, drilled, laminated, and even texturized. All these features come together to redefine how waste is transformed into a valuable resource.
Sustainable and Safe Solutions
The project stands as a model for sustainable production and responsible consumption. It is all about using local waste for local production, meaning that every board helps accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The boards are produced without toxic chemicals, ensuring that safety is paramount throughout their lifecycle. Their properties – flame retardance, non-toxicity, and the absence of resins or virgin materials – contribute to healthier indoor environments and lower emissions. These innovative materials not only comply with high safety standards but also address modern construction challenges in a truly eco-friendly manner… a step forward in rethinking traditional building practices.
Research to Reality Transformation
The journey of the HONEXT® boards demonstrates a powerful transformation from research to reality. What began as a daring idea to turn papermaking residue – once seen as useless and polluting – into something precious, has now evolved into a unique process that upcycles industrial waste. The collaboration between academic experts and seasoned professionals over more than a decade is reflected in every board produced. This collaboration has introduced an innovative circular business model that leverages biotechnology to bring sustainability to life. The outcome is a product that meets rigorous construction requirements while paving the way for future sustainable developments.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The project drives innovation in material science and sustainable manufacturing techniques.
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: By providing safe, non-toxic, and recyclable building materials, the project contributes to healthier urban environments.
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: With its circular design and upcycling process, the product minimizes the use of finite resources and supports responsible production methods.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: The reduction in emissions and waste, along with the use of industrial by-products, directly contributes to environmental sustainability and climate mitigation efforts.
Global Vision for a Circular Future
The reach of this initiative is growing beyond local boundaries, aiming to become a global solution through internationalization of the circular business model. The innovative approach of utilizing local waste for local production is leading to a ripple effect – inspiring change and encouraging industries around the world to look for similar sustainable alternatives. As HONEXT® boards are increasingly adopted, there is a clear message: materials that come from waste can indeed be transformed into valuable resources while fostering a circular economy. The project invites suppliers and distributors from all over to join the movement, using a map search tool to find partners who are ready to embrace change. This global vision is not only about a better environment but also about rewriting the future of industrial production and sustainable design.
