Dr Rob Elias

Rob joined MDF Recovery in May 2024 as Head of Business Development. His role is to support the commercialisation of the company’s technology and the rollout of licences across the EU and other overseas territories.

The patented technology enables the recovery, reuse, and repurposing of waste MDF for construction applications. The first licence sale was to W. Howard Ltd, who will produce natural fibre insulation at their new factory in Newton, Powys. Scheduled to begin operations in early Q1 2026, the facility will be the first in the UK to manufacture natural fibre insulation specifically for the timber frame construction sector.

Prior to joining MDF Recovery, Rob was Director of the BioComposites Centre at Bangor University, leading a team of 25 scientists. Established in 1989, the Centre collaborates with companies to develop technologies based on sustainable materials such as wood. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including pilot-scale equipment for prototyping new materials and processes.

Rob has a strong interest in the development of technologies that support the circular economy. With both industrial and academic experience, his areas of expertise include wood-based panel production, packaging, and product development. He has held senior roles in production and development at several of the world’s largest MDF manufacturing groups.