Kazakhstan's first pilot production of eco-panels made of straw was launched in Tayynsha

In Tayynsha (Tayynshinsky district, North Kazakhstan region) the country's first pilot production of eco-friendly building slabs made from non-feed straw has been launched. The new technology opens up opportunities for eco-friendly construction, agricultural waste disposal and the development of local production. It will also help to develop Kazakhstan's high-tech production and increase import substitution in the country.

The launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the North Kazakhstan region and Tayynshinsky district, The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, agricultural enterprises of the region, project investors, as well as representatives of education and science.

The production facility being launched in Tayynsha is a pilot production line for the production of eco-panels and pressed building slabs from non-feed straw. This is a high-tech technology developed by ENU scientists as part of a mega-grant to create an engineering center. The line will produce the first batches of eco-friendly slabs intended for construction and thermal insulation. The production makes it possible to process local raw materials - non-fodder straw - into sought-after building materials.

The strength, moisture resistance and fire resistance of products under the KZ.ECO desk trademark have been confirmed by tests in accredited laboratories. At the same time, the cost of products is one and a half to two times cheaper than analogues (chipboard, OSB) while maintaining a high level of quality. The development is patented in Kazakhstan (Kazpatent) and approved by the PCT international patenting system.

Despite the presence of enterprises in Kazakhstan for the production of chipboard, the main raw materials (wood) are still imported. In contrast, pressed ecoplites under the KZ.ECO desk trademark are produced exclusively from agricultural waste, which allows not only to reduce dependence on imports of raw materials and ensure a lower price of final products, but also to give a new impetus to the development of local agro-industrial and production potential, as well as high-tech industries seeking to commercialize scientific developments.

According to the results of testing in the laboratory, scientists have obtained experimental prototypes.  The interest in the products is confirmed by invitations to international exhibitions and offers from investors.

The reason for the location of the production in Tayynsh is due to the highest concentration of straw waste in the region. In addition, the district has a well-developed logistics infrastructure, including railways, which simplifies the distribution of finished products.

The opening of production facilities will be a growth driver for the entire district. The project will create new jobs, strengthen the industrialization of the Tayynsha region and attract additional investments, forming new points of economic growth.

The project is being implemented by the Construction and Technical Engineering Center of the Eurasian National University with the support of investors and in cooperation with local executive authorities, which provides an integrated approach to the development of production and its integration into the regional economy.

"This project confirms that university science is able to create real, in-demand technologies that contribute to the development of the regional economy and help strengthen the competitiveness of Kazakhstani products both in the domestic and foreign markets. This step raises the university's role and level not only as a scientific and educational institution, but also as an innovation center capable of transforming research into real industrial solutions.

It is worth noting that the project fully corresponds to the priorities outlined in the strategic initiatives of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to create a technological corridor "from science to business", commercialize scientific developments and form export-oriented industries based on domestic materials and technologies," ENU Rector Yerlan Sydykov said.

Kanat Duzelbayev, Deputy Akim of the North Kazakhstan region, stressed at the launch ceremony:

"This project combines several important areas at once – the introduction of modern technologies and the rational use of agricultural resources. This is a clear example of effective cooperation between science and industry. I am sure that this plant will become an example of innovative production and a point of growth for the region." 

Akim of Tayynshinsky district Berik Alzhanov noted that the introduction of scientific developments into production processes plays a key role in the socio-economic development of the region:

"The introduction of scientific developments into production processes is of strategic importance, as it increases production efficiency through the use of modern technologies, automation and optimization of production costs. In addition, it ensures the competitiveness of enterprises, allowing them to produce higher-quality products and reduce costs," the speaker said.

In continuation of the agreements reached during the launch of production, the ENU and the akimat of Tayynshinsky district signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation.

Asel Jaksembayeva, PhD, Associate Professor of the L.N. Gumilyov ENU, drew attention to the fact that the production of high-tech construction products "KZ.ECO desk" is the first and only industrial facility of this profile in the country, which has no analogues in the domestic market, and the commercialization of scientific developments of the Eurasian National University is starting. The young scientist reported on the concluded contracts, which confirms the high market interest in the material as an environmentally friendly, economical and import-substituting alternative to traditional construction solutions.

"This project covers the entire path from laboratory research to the launch of pilot production and implements the expected results, providing a "full cycle" of the Program of the EOM Science Committee and is consistent with the Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the importance of developing high-tech industries and commercialization of scientific research for sustainable economic growth and increasing the competitiveness of Kazakhstan," the ENU scientist concluded.

With the further successful implementation of the project, it is planned to expand production in the southern and southeastern regions where raw materials are available.

It is worth noting that as part of the megaproject to create a Construction and Technical Engineering Center, applied research on 19 scientific and technical developments is being conducted under the leadership of Asel Jeksembayeva. The project involves a team of 70 leading scientists, engineers and international experts.