Future Biorefinery (FuBio) is one of the strategic focus areas of Forestcluster. It is currently driven forward by two separate research programs: ”FuBio Joint Research 2” and ”FuBio Products from dissolved cellulose”. The goal of FuBio is to build a globally-competitive knowledge platform for the creation of new values chains between wood and markets such as packaging, clothing and performance materials. Such new products could, partly, replace similar oil-based products and thus, lower the pressure currently set on oil and its price.

FuBio Joint Research 2 is focused on four different directions. Firstly, by R&D in biomass-based materials we aim to develop improved board-based packaging materials, for instance, for packaging of food products. I.e. packages that get their barrier properties from novel, biomass-based materials as well as boards that have improved mouldability. Secondly, we study how lignin and fibres could be used to produce structural materials by using injection and extrusion moulding techniques. Thirdly, we see much potential in using wood-derived chemicals in production of performance polymers (glues, adhesives, etc.). The same chemicals could also find use as techno-chemicals (solvents, detergents, etc.). Fourthly, some of the chemicals have health-beneficial properties. We thus, study their use both as functional food ingredient and even as an active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Full partners

Aalto University, Andritz Oy, Finnish Forest Research Institute Metla, Kemira Oyj, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Metso Oyj, Metsäliitto Osuuskunta, Oy Metsä-Botnia Ab, M-real Oyj, Myllykoski Oyj, Novoplastik Oy, Stora Enso Oyj, Tampere University of Technology, University of Helsinki, University of Jyväskylä, University of Tampere, University of Turku, University of Oulu, UPM-Kymmene Oyj, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Åbo Akademi University

Governance

Management Group:

Eeva Jernström, UPM-Kymmene (Chairperson)

Lars Gädda, Forescluster

Mikael Hannus, Stora Enso

Johannes Heiskanen, Novoplastik

Seppo Hiljanen, Metso

Ari Kiviranta, M-real

Pirkko Liias, Metsä-Botnia

Risto Lilleberg, Metsäliitto

Paterson McKeough, Andritz

Erkki Peltonen, Myllykoski

Kari Saari, Kemira

Niklas von Weymarn, VTT

Stefan Willför, Åbo Akademi

Erja Ämmälahti, Tekes

Program Manager:

Niklas von Weymarn, VTT

For more information

Program Manager Niklas von Weymarn

Mobile: +358 40 547 6977

E-mail: niklas.weymarn (AT) vtt.fi

Publications