Exhaust air purification in the wood and paper industry – VOCs, resins and odors
oxytec systems for low-emission panel production, furniture production and paper finishing
During the production of wood-based materials (e.g. chipboard, MDF or OSB), in furniture factories and during coating and drying in the paper industry, emission-intensive exhaust air flows are generated. These include formaldehyde, terpenes, VOCs, odors and resins, which can be hazardous to health, pollute technical systems and are subject to approval.
oxytec offers you energy-efficient, low-maintenance and modular solutions for exhaust air purification – whether in the hot pressing, drying or paint shop.
What would you like to know?
Simply put your question to our AI. They will answer you individually:
Typical emissions in wood and paper processing
| Process step | Typical pollutants | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| Panel pressing | Formaldehyde, VOCs, resins | Hot, sticky, continuous |
| Drying / heat treatment | Terpenes, VOCs, resins, fine dust | High temperature, changing composition |
| Coating / finishing | Solvents, alcohols, acrylates | VOCs, odor, emission when heated |
| Coating and UV fixation | VOCs, amines, organic additives | Emissions through evaporation and reaction |
| Glue and resin processing | Formaldehyde, ammonia, alcohols | Diffuse, often not extracted, odor-intensive |
Why active exhaust air purification is crucial
- Formaldehyde, terpenes and VOCs are subject to TA-Luft regulations
- Odor emissions lead to complaints and requirements
- Resinous vapors are deposited in pipes, fans and heat exchangers
- Emissions from painting and coating facilities are subject to limit values
- Exhaust air purification is usually mandatory for permits in accordance with BImSchG or GIRL
Legal requirements
- TA Luft 2021: VOCs, formaldehyde, ammonia, organic substances
- BImSchG / 4th BImSchV: Approval requirement for throughput, solvent consumption
- GIRL: Decisive for systems near residential areas
- Eligible in the context of air pollution control, energy efficiency, heat recovery
oxytec supports you with emission measurements, communication with authorities and funding applications.
Get advice now – for clean air in wood and paper companies
Do you want to operate your production in an environmentally friendly, legally compliant and trouble-free manner?
Contact us – we will develop the right exhaust air solution for your wood-based materials or paper processing.
oxytec solutions for the wood and paper industry
UV ozone systems for VOC and odor reduction
- Reliably oxidizes formaldehyde, terpenes, alcohols and resins
- Residue-free cleaning without flame or chemicals
- Suitable for high temperatures and greasy components
Aerosol separator for resinous and sticky emissions
- Removes oily, sticky particles, dust and droplets
- Prevents deposits in the duct and reactor
- Stainless steel versions for aggressive process air
Activated carbon polish for challenging odor molecules
- Adsorbs reaction-resistant VOCs and additives
- Supplements UV modules to comply with the strictest limit values
- Ideal for critical approval procedures or close to residential areas
Typical areas of application
- Chipboard, MDF and OSB production
- Furniture production with pressing, lacquering and edge banding
- Paper finishing with coating, drying and printing
- Wood drying plants and thermal treatments
- Resin and glue kitchens with emission sources
Your benefits with oxytec systems in wood and paper processing
- Effective against VOCs, terpenes, formaldehyde and odors
- No thermal post-combustion necessary
- Modular, space-saving, retrofittable
- Low energy requirement and low maintenance
- Suitable for high temperatures and humidity
- Can be ideally combined with heat recovery systems
FAQ – häufige Fragen
What emissions typically occur in wood and paper processing?
These industries produce, among other things:
- VOCs from glues, resins, paints and inks
- Formaldehyde from pressing and gluing processes
- Terpenes and odorous substances from the wood itself
- Resin particles, fine dust and aerosols during drying and processing
These substances are often hazardous to health, corrosive and odor-active – many are relevant for approval according to TA Luft.
How does oxytec reliably remove these emissions?
Our solution consists of three core modules:
- Aerosol separator: removes resin mist, oil and fine dust
- UV ozone systems: oxidize VOCs, odorous substances, formaldehyde and organic residues
- Activated carbon filters (optional): adsorb residual trace substances and ensure maximum cleaning performance
The system is modular, low-maintenance and chemical-free.
How high is the cleaning performance for formaldehyde and VOCs?
Typically, oxytec systems can be used to:
- Reduce VOCs and formaldehyde by 90 % and more
- Significantly reduce odor emissions according to GIRL
- Safely fall below TA-Luft limits
Measurable results can be verified by VOC analysis or olfactometry.
Can the systems cope with high temperatures or resinous air?
Yes – our systems are specially designed for these loads:
- Temperature-resistant up to 120 °C (optionally higher)
- Resistant to resins, terpenes and humid process exhaust air
- Robust stainless steel housing and industrial-grade components
Is integration into existing systems possible?
Absolute – oxytec systems are:
- can be retrofitted into existing extraction systems and ducts
- space-saving installation indoors or outdoors
- can be combined with heat recovery systems
We support you with planning, installation and communication with the authorities.
What regulations must be observed for exhaust air purification?
- TA Luft 2021: Binding limit values for VOCs, formaldehyde and other pollutants
- 4th BImSchV / BImSchG: Approval requirement depending on system size and consumption
- GIRL: Limit values for odor emission values in mixed and residential areas
- Funding opportunities exist for energy-efficient technology and emission reduction, among other things
How costly is the operation and maintenance?
- UV lamps: 8,000-10,000 operating hours
- Aerosol separator: Clean every 2-3 months depending on the load
- Activated carbon filter (if installed): approx. 6-12 months service life
- On request: Maintenance contract or remote monitoring by Oxytec
Are there state subsidies for exhaust air purification in these sectors?
Yes – eligible are e.g:
- VOC reduction measures in accordance with TA Luft
- Investments in energy-efficient technologies (e.g. UV ozone instead of TNV)
- Combinations with heat recovery systems
We support you in selecting and applying for suitable funding .
