A new research programme aims to develop innovative construction products utilising paper-mill waste. The work will focus on three main product groups: renders, blocks & clays, wood-based joinery and industrial materials such as additives and extenders.

The project is funded by the Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and will be carried out by a partnership involving the Bio-composites Centre at the University of Wales, the Bridgewater Paper Company and the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

A key project objective is to find viable alternative options to the disposal of paper-mill sludge to landfill or land-spreading. The aim is to achieve this by identifying six products to be taken forward into production, following a market study and industry consultations.

The detailed chemical and physical composition of the paper-mill sludge will be determined. Using this information, potential applications will be identified and product samples produced. Small scale processing trials and testing of the sample materials will be followed by more development work if necessary.

The project will conclude in March 2004 with a workshop to present any prototype products developed and to highlight other key outcomes.

Wendy Thorpe of BRE said: "We aim to demonstrate through this project how creative thinking and innovation can benefit both the industry and environment with the support of organisations such as WRAP"