Programmes

ExpandFibre Programmes take forward company-led R&D

ExpandFibre Programmes by Fortum and Metsä Group encompassed the company-lead R&D done together and separately in the seven themes of ExpandFibre. The joint work between Fortum and Metsä Group was focused especially on the textile and biocomposites themes. The companies worked in close co-operation with academia, technology developers and R&D service providers to drive R&D that supports the future commercialization of new bioproducts. The Programmes run as a portfolio of shorter projects that could be linked to publicly funded Ecosystem projects such as Co-Innovation projects funded by Business Finland.

Fortum Bio2X thinks big with straw

Fortum’s Bio2X programme focused in ExpandFibre on the valorization of residual straw into high-value bioproducts. In our biorefinery concept, various lignocellulosic feedstocks can be separated into their basic components (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) with high purity and material efficiency, by applying the fractionation technology developed by our technology partner Chempolis. ExpandFibre strengthened Bio2X’s R&D efforts in upgrading and upscaling the use of straw-based cellulose in textile fibres. Also in focus was the use of straw-based cellulose in biocomposites with recycled plastics, in collaboration with Fortum Recycling and Waste. The product and application development for lignin and hemicellulose, as well as the development of straw supply concept and fractionation technology, were addressed in their respective theme areas.

 

Metsä Group wants to take pulp fibre to new heights

ExpandFibre enabled Metsä Group to accelerate its efforts in upgrading pulp fibres from sustainable northern wood to new uses where it replaces plastics and other fossil-based materials. Metsä Group companies participating in ExpandFibre were Metsä Spring (theme areas: Textiles, Packaging, and Biocomposites), Metsä Board (Packaging) and Metsä Fibre (Other fibre products). ExpandFibre supported the development of sustainable textile fibres and new 3D fibre products by Metsä Spring, as well as the innovative paperboard-based packaging solutions by Metsä Board and new fibre-based materials from Metsä Fibre.