Project launched to speed up development of fiber-based alternatives to oil-based materials

The Future Fibre Products project, funded partly by the European Regional Development (ERD) Fund, has brought together 33 companies, ranging from small to large, global companies, from Finland, North America, Europe and Asia. The industrial project partners are: A Fredrikson Research & Consulting, Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Albany International, Andritz, Anpap, BASF, Berndorf Band, BillerudKorsnäs, BinNova, Essity (formerly SCA Hygiene Products), Glatfelter, Humuspehtoori, Irving Paper Limited, Kemira, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Metsä Group, Moorim SP, Neenah Gessner, Novarbo, Paptic, Pixact, ProDeliver, Rejlers Finland, Sappi, SCG Packaging, Stora Enso, Sulzer Pumps Finland, Suominen, UPM Kymmene, Valmet, Weidmann Electrical Technology, WestRock Corporation, and Wetend Technologies.

Coordinated by VTT, the project aims to transform laboratory-scale results into pilot-scale demonstrations for products and processes with a low carbon footprint. It will also explore how the current paper and board production infrastructure can be utilized in the field of new packaging options, non-woven materials, porous insulation materials, or even as replacements for EPS-based materials.

VTT said that global awareness of climate change is driving the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to oil-based products and materials, with the forest industry looking for energy-efficient and low-carbon options to improve production, as well as new applications and products to adapt the production infrastructure to changes in the market.

Jussi Manninen, executive vice president of the Solutions for Natural Resources and Environment business area at VTT, commented: ‘It is great to see so many innovative companies joining forces to develop tomorrow's material solutions. The large consortium is a clear sign that our long-term R&D work in the field of the bioeconomy is highly valued by companies.’

The new initiative continues the development of advanced systems for fiber products and processes, which has been VTT’s strategic priority for a long time. It will also strengthen the position of Central Finland in the development of fiber-based products. The three-year project received approximately 1.3 million EUR (1.6 million USD) in funding from the ERD Fund, via the Regional Council of Central Finland and the Council of Tampere Region.

To aid the development of future fiber products, VTT is investing in a new pilot line.