Potencial de aproveitamento energético de resíduos de MDF do polo moveleiro de Toledo (PR) para produção de briquetes: uma avaliação técnico-científica

Abstract

The growing generation of waste from the furniture industry constitutes an environmental challenge, especially when these materials are sent to landfills or receive inadequate forms of disposal. Among these waste materials, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) panels stand out. Widely used in furniture manufacturing, they require specific care regarding their disposal and energy recovery due to synthetic formaldehyde-based resins in their composition. In this context, this dissertation aimed to develop a technical-conceptual proposal for the energy recovery of MDF waste generated in the furniture hub of Toledo, Paraná, Brazil, through briquette production, considering torrefaction as a pre-treatment step capable of contributing to the reduction of undesirable compounds and improving the material's characteristics as a solid fuel. The research is qualitative and exploratory, developed based on a literature review, a survey of information on waste generation and disposal in the Toledo furniture hub, and a comparative analysis of the thermochemical characteristics of raw and torrefied MDF. The results indicated an estimated generation of approximately 35 tons of MDF waste per month in the studied furniture hub, consisting mainly of offcuts, trimmings, and sanding dust. The diagnosis also highlighted limitations related to the disposal of this waste, including the lack of structured reverse logistics, fragmented management initiatives, and inappropriate disposal and burning practices. The literature review showed that MDF has significant energy potential, with a higher heating value of approximately 4,427.8 kcal kg⁻¹ and a low ash content. For the material subjected to torrefaction between 260 °C and 280 °C for 60 minutes, major improvements in energy properties were identified, such as a reduction of up to 65% in residual formaldehyde, an increase of up to 20% in heating value, reduced moisture content, higher hydrophobicity, and improved grindability. These results reinforce the role of torrefaction as a pre-treatment alternative to make the waste more suitable for densification and energy recovery, provided that appropriate emission control measures are adopted.