Most of the wood we live and work around (from desks to cupboards) is held together by phenol–formaldehyde adhesives.

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The problem is serious and is one the industry can no longer ignore. Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen (IARC Group 1), and phenol is petroleum-derived via the cumene process. Together, they have been driving highly hazardous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions, compromising indoor air quality for years.

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At altM, we’ve been building deep expertise in biomass fractionation, turning cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and silica into high-value applications.

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One of our most exciting developments are the lignin-based adhesives for wood panel applications such as plywood, MDF, and particle board.

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These have been extensively tested and validated by a government-approved agency. They show strong bonding performance while eliminating dependence on conventional PF resins. Importantly, our lignin-based adhesives eliminate hazardous VOC emissions, creating safer and healthier workplaces and indoor environments.

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This shift is no longer an option. From August 2026, EU REACH regulations will cap formaldehyde emissions in wood-based products at ≤ 0.062 mg/m³. Indoor air quality standards such as E1/E0 are increasingly being demanded across both European and Asian markets.

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Lignin has long been seen as the “problem child” of biomass — difficult to process, often burned or discarded. By valorizing lignin, a widely available byproduct of India’s biomass supply chain, we’re replacing harmful adhesive incumbents and creating new value streams from it. This is the laying of a new foundation for sustainable wood manufacturing.

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We invite wood manufacturers, adhesive formulators, and researchers to collaborate with us on pilot trials and partnerships.

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Together, we can make sustainable adhesives the new industry benchmark.

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