Lignitec partnered up with NOWA Kitchen, SAM panels, Welbions, Centraal Opvangorgaan Asielzoekers (COA), The Green Village and Hegeman Bouw to develop the most circular kitchen made possible by Lignitec’s clean and sustainable materials. With the help of Benedict Peax, they have been awarded the prestigious KIA-CE (Knowledge and Innovation Agenda Circular Economy) subsidy that supports projects that drive innovation and collaboration to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in the Netherlands. This subsidy, granted only to leading innovators in the circular economy, supports projects that drive sustainability, collaboration, and the transition to a circular future in the Netherlands.
NOWA Kitchen is a scaleup developing circular kitchens based on demountability. The next step in their development is to manufacture kitchens based on clean and circular materials, which is one of the project goals for which the KIA-CE has been awarded. Lignitec’s new materials will first be tested in a circular kitchen from NOWA at The Green Village, a hub for sustainable innovation, and continually seeks more circular components to enhance its designs. Finally, pilots will be done in collaboration with Welbions and COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers) locations and through housing corporations like Welbions. Hegeman Bouw will install the pilot kitchens.
Including the entire value chain in the project underscores the practical application of Lignitec’s materials.
Addressing the recycling challenge
The current materials used in conventional kitchens often become waste because they rely on adhesives that render them non-recyclable. Lignitec has developed biobased materials with natural adhesives that enable housing corporations and manufacturers of furniture and kitchens to recycle these materials, paving the way for a circular economy. By enabling the recycling of used kitchens or their components, Lignitec’s innovation significantly reduces environmental pollution and waste.
Scaling production and innovating locally
With the KIA-CE subsidy, Lignitec plans to:
- Develop efficient biobased materials meeting the industry’s needs.
- Scale up material production at the SAM Panels factory.
- Enhance local sourcing of biobased materials such as hemp, reducing reliance on international supply chains.
This local approach offers multiple benefits, including reducing CO₂ emissions from transportation.
It is time to end disposable kitchens with smarter materials and design.”
Join the circular revolution
Lignitec’s circular materials transform how kitchens and furniture are produced, offering sustainable, recyclable alternatives to traditional wood composites like Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), chipboards and High-Pressure Laminates (HPL). Architects, housing corporations, manufacturers, and construction companies interested in using circular materials are encouraged to connect with the Lignitec team.
About Lignitec B.V.
Based in Delft, Lignitec specializes in biobased materials as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional wood composites, which often rely on harmful chemical adhesives.
By replacing these substances, Lignitec promotes sustainability and healthier practices in the furniture, kitchen and construction industries.
