High-pressure laminate can be an ecological choice when you consider its long life and durability. The eco-friendliness of the material depends on the raw materials, the manufacturing process and, in particular, how long it remains usable. A long-life surface material reduces the need for replacement and thus the environmental impact. In this article, we discuss the environmental impact and sustainability of high pressure laminate from different perspectives.
What is high-pressure laminate and how is it made?
High pressure laminate consists of several layers of paper fibres impregnated with phenolic and melamine resins. These layers are pressed together under high pressure and temperature to form a hard, dense surface material. The manufacturing process creates a material that is resistant to abrasion, moisture and heat.
The manufacturing process starts with the impregnation of sheets of paper with resin solutions. The lower layers are treated with phenolic resins, which provide strength and stability. The top layer is treated with melamine resins, which provide wear resistance and an aesthetic surface. The whole package is pressed between metal sheets at a temperature of around 150°C and under enormous pressure.
This process makes the high-pressure laminate a homogeneous material, with all the layers firmly bonded together. The end result is a surface material that will retain its appearance and properties for years or even decades of proper use.
What factors make a surface material environmentally friendly?
Surface material environmental friendliness is determined by a number of factors: the renewable nature of raw materials, energy consumption in the manufacturing process, transport distances, lifetime and recyclability. Long-life materials tend to be more ecological because they reduce the need for replacement and the amount of waste.
The origin of raw materials has a significant impact on the environmental impact. Materials from renewable sources, such as responsibly produced pulp, are more environmentally friendly than fossil raw materials. Energy efficiency in the manufacturing process and the use of renewable energy reduce the carbon footprint.
The lifetime of a material is often the most important environmental factor. A surface material that lasts 20-30 years without needing to be replaced is more ecological than a material that requires replacement every few years. The need for maintenance and the use of chemicals for cleaning also affect the overall environmental impact.
How long will a high pressure laminate last in use?
High pressure laminate typically last 15-25 years in indoor use, depending on the environment and load. For kitchen worktops, the material will retain its appearance and functionality for decades, while in heavily used public spaces the lifespan may be slightly shorter.
The durability of the material is based on its compact structure and hard surface. High-pressure laminate does not absorb liquids, making it hygienic and easy to clean. It resists most household chemicals and common impacts and scratches better than many other surface materials.
The operating environment has a significant impact on lifetime. In a bathroom, moisture can affect the tightness of the edges, but a properly installed laminate is highly resistant to moisture. Sunlight can slightly fade the colours over time, but good quality high pressure laminates will retain their colours well indoors.
What happens to high-pressure laminate at the end of its service life?
High pressure laminate recycling opportunities are limited due to its multi-material composition. The resin components in the material make conventional recycling challenging. Used laminate usually ends up as energy recovery in incinerators, which is a better alternative than landfill.
Reuse is often a better option than disposal. A laminate sheet in good condition can be carefully removed and reused in less stressed areas. This extends the overall life of the material and reduces waste.
Responsible disposal is achieved by sending the material to an appropriate waste treatment facility. Do not put the high-pressure laminate in mixed waste, but take it to a recycling centre or building waste collection point. Some manufacturers are developing take-back programmes where the used material is recycled as raw material for new products.
Material choices have a significant impact on the environmental impact of buildings and furniture. High-pressure laminate offers a good balance between durability, performance and environmental impact when you choose for long-term use of high-quality surface material. At Lorella, we help you find the right surface material solutions that serve both your design needs and environmental objectives. Contact our experts for more information on sustainable material choices.