Sawdust Waste Could Become Fire-Safe Interiors with a Composite that Can Be Recycled

Sawdust waste could become fire-safe interiors with a composite that can be recycled

Every time a tree trunk is sawn, it creates sawdust. Millions of tons of sawdust are produced every year worldwide, with most of it being burned to generate energy. This releases the carbon dioxide stored in the wood back into the atmosphere, which is not ideal from an environmental perspective.

ETH Zurich and Empa Develop Recyclable Fire Retardant Building Material from Sawdust Using Innovative Mineral Binding Process

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Turning sawdust into fire-resistant materials

19.03.2026 - What is usually burned to generate energy today could protect houses tomorrow. Researchers at ETH Zurich and Empa have found a way to press sawdust with a mineral binder to create a robust, flame-retardant material. It's even recyclable.