The persistent nature of fossil-derived plastics is a well-known environmental problem that could be tackled via the production of biodegradable plastics. If the biodegradable plastic is produced from a renewable source, such as forest biomass, then the carbon dioxide emissions would also be reduced. The same environmental benefits can be achieved by reducing the need of long-distance transportation of products, e.g. producing activated coal in Sweden and Finland using raw material from our forests instead of purchasing large quantities of activated coal from Sri Lanka. In this project, we want to produce the biodegradable and biobased plastic polylactic acid as well as and activated carbon, from saw dust and fiber sludge which are byproducts from the saw milling and pulp and paper industries. Using bark, another by-product from those industries, we plan to produce tannin-based foams which are known for their high fire resistance. The target group consists of the raw material suppliers, the saw milling and pulp and paper industries and the end users, e.g. composite companies or construction companies.

Partners

Kokkola University Consortium, RISE Processum, Centria UAS

Financiers

EU Interreg Botnia-Atlantica, Council of Ostrobothnia, Region Västernorrland, Kokkola University Consortium, RISE Processum, Centria UAS.