BIOMAC

One of the keys to a successful implementation of the European circular economy is the growing dependence on biomass products. A wider use of such products can solve several problems associated with the disposal of solid waste, as they could be reused at the end of their life cycle, ensuring full circularity. BIOMAC will fill an existing gap regarding nanostructured bio-based materials (NBM). NBM can be the solution to several of the challenges that society faces in achieving a circular economy. In the current situation, there are major shortcomings in terms of investments, financing, upscaling and further development for NBM, which makes the material difficult to obtain commercially available.

BIOMAC will provide services to stakeholders and work to accelerate the entry of NBM into the market. To achieve this, BIOMAC OITB will develop tailor-made solutions for producing and integrating nanomaterials throughout the bio-based value chain. BIOMAC will at the same time offer services that cover assessment of regulation and safety, sustainability and circularity. The project establishes a concrete community of open collaboration for stakeholders and customers that enables innovation and minimizes investment risks.

In the project, RISE Processum will use fiber rejects, a residual stream from the forest industry, as a raw material for the production of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). Fermentable sugar is extracted from the fiber repellent and used by the bacteria to produce BNC. The nanocellulose will then be used by other project partners in application tests for improved properties in packaging materials and smart textiles. In parallel, RISE Processum is collaborating with the project partners to expand the use of fermentable sugars from fiber sludge for the production of more nanomaterials useful in various applications.

Goals

The ultimate goal of BIOMAC is to help address barriers that prevent the development of concept development in the field of nano-activated bio-based materials and products, providing a unique opportunity to test ideas in a well-structured open environment and to industrialize a new generation of nano-activated bio-based materials. The ambition of the project is to strengthen and maintain innovation in the field of European bioeconomic industries, by reducing the time to market for new nanotechnologies, and thus reducing costs and risks.