Green Bioraff Solutions

Biodegradable and bio-based plastic

The slow decomposition process of plastics produced from fossil raw materials is a major environmental problem, both in our oceans and in other areas. In the project Green Bioraff Solutions (GBS), the goal is to produce a biodegradable and bio-based plastic from lactic acid. It is produced by fermentation and chemocatalysis of sawdust and pulp residues, e.g. fiber sludge, to produce forest residue-based PLA. In addition, residual streams from the process will be investigated and attempts will be made to reduce or reuse them. Plastic produced from a renewable source, such as wood, would also lead to reduced CO2 emissions compared to plastics produced from fossil raw materials.

Activated carbon

From the hydrolysis lignin, the GBS project will produce activated carbon that can be used in industrial processes and water purification. Today, activated carbon is imported from other parts of the world and a large part comes from Sri Lanka. If, with the help of raw materials from our forest, production can be started in Sweden and Finland, great environmental benefits would therefore be created. On the one hand, we take advantage of the residual streams that already exist, while at the same time reducing the need for long-distance transport. Due to its many uses, there is a large potential market for "green" activated carbon, which in itself also creates major environmental and climate benefits.

Tannin-based foams

With bark, another by-product of the forest industry, the plan is to develop tannin-based foams, which are known for their high fire resistance. Bark contains large amounts of tannins, which can be extracted by so-called soxhlet extraction, where water or ethyl acetate is added. Tannin-based foams have several potential uses, for example in the construction industry where its fire resistance and light weight have great advantages. Within the project, tests will also be performed on tannin foam as a catalyst in the conversion of biomass.

Develop new biorefinery solutions

The project consortium aims to develop new attractive biorefinery solutions for production in Sweden and Finland. The target groups for the project consist of raw material suppliers, the sawmill and pulp and paper industry and the end users, e.g. composite companies or construction companies.

Stakeholders in the project
Companies: Domsjö Fabriker, Holmen, SEKAB, Blastic AB, SCA, UPM, Eskolan Saha, Fifth Innovation Oy, Kokkolan Nahka och Silvateam
Academia: LUKE, Aalto University och Tampere University

Popular Science Report

Curious to know more? We have now compiled the work in Green Bioraff Solutions in a popular science report.

You can read the report here