4. Evolution of wood gluing

This technique is used all over the world, and is growing strongly in Asian countries, with a hint of growth in Africa. Over the past two decades, it has undergone numerous and ongoing developments. Digital routers for machining have become widespread. The outflow of large-scale production to Eastern Europe and Asia has stabilized. This concerns Europe and the United States. Glues are still urea-formaldehyde-based. The trend has been to reduce formaldehyde emissions during manufacture and, above all, during end-use in the home. Formaldehyde exists in wood and in the human body, and is problematic when emitted into the air in large doses. Resorcins have been completely abandoned for reasons of pollution and toxicity. Biological glues have not made any inroads for reasons of cost, loss of efficiency and quality stability. The automation of gluing processes has continued, enabling us to be...