Wood Technology Company (WOTECH) in Idku, Egypt, has completed the provisional acceptance of its rice straw-based medium-density fibreboard (MDF) plant, supplied by Siempelkamp. WOTECH selected Siempelkamp in Dec 2019 following an international tender.

The project provides an industrial outlet for rice straw collected under Egypt’s national recycling programme and an alternative source of fibre for panel production in a country where domestic wood resources are limited.

Siempelkamp’s scope of supply covers the rice straw feeding system and equipment for secondary size reduction, separation, conveying, dosing, refining, drying, gluing and sifting. It also includes the energy plant, wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) and safety technology.

The forming and press line features a ContiRoll continuous press in the 8ft by 48.7m format. The order also includes cooling and stacking, sanding and packaging lines, as well as overall plant design. WOTECH and its Egyptian contractors were responsible for the civil works, equipment erection and site infrastructure.

The production stages, including mat forming and pressing, are broadly comparable to those used in conventional wood-based MDF manufacturing. However, rice straw preparation required specific process adaptations.

Following delivery, installation and commissioning, the Provisional Acceptance Certificate was signed on 19 Sep 2026 by Hossam Elfahmy, chairman and chief executive of WOTECH, and Martin Scherrer, chief executive of the Siempelkamp Group.

The plant produces MDF panels bonded with polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (PMDI), a resin that does not contain added formaldehyde. During performance testing, 16mm boards met the requirements of European standard EN 622-5 for MDF intended for use in dry conditions. The tests covered internal bond strength, bending strength, stiffness and thickness swelling after 24 hours.

Formaldehyde content measured using the EN 120 method was below the detection limit in all recorded tests, corresponding to an E0 emission level, according to the companies.

As the plant prepares to enter commercial operation, WOTECH is also preparing to supply international markets.

“An ambitious project like ours requires technological expertise and a committed partner, and we value the work of the Siempelkamp team, who stood with us through demanding moments to reach this milestone. We are now preparing to bring WOTECH boards to customers in the Middle East, Europe and North America,” said Elfahmy.

“With its innovative technology, Siempelkamp has delivered a state-of-the-art MDF plant in Egypt that uses rice straw as its sole fibre raw material. We thank our customer for their trust and look forward to further joint projects,” added Scherrer.

Source: panelsfurnitureasia.com