The digital learning environment ForestBioFacts compiles research and information about forest bioeconomy in an accessible format. The learning environment was designed for professionals and students from upper secondary schools to universities.
The researchers of VTT and Aalto University were able to create a new composite material combining cellulose nanofibres and synthetic spider silk.
Light fibres are an ideal packaging material even for the most demanding brands.
“Meaningful and diverse work with bio-based products, fuels or biomass. If that would also include a chance for international tasks, it’d be my dream job,” says student Minna Ukkonen, summing up her career hopes.
Lignin is converted into a workable format using an oxygen oxidation developed by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The technology is demonstrated in an EU project.
The forest and bioeconomy industry’s research and development activities requires cooperation across organisations and financial resources. Securing EU funding requires a presence at the right tables.
In March, the Finnish forest industry published renewed responsibility commitments, valid until 2025. The objective is to promote forest management, sustainable production and the circular economy, as well as social well-being.
For a company to grow, what is needed is a will and capability to renew, and motivated and multi-skilled teams.
Finland is strong in tomorrow’s pulp products, such as textiles and packages that replace plastic.
Plastic waste is world-class problem, but plastic-free packaging board products may be part of the solution.
Lignin, with its diverse applications, has become one of the most important products of Sunila’s traditional pulp mill.
Systematic efforts for strengthening the balance sheet pay off when UPM is considering the largest investments in its history.
The sharpened strategic focus of forest industry companies can be seen in investments.
An unprecedented jam of EU regulations and Brexit are producing question marks, but CEPI’s Deputy Director General Jori Ringman still believes the bioeconomy to hold more promises than threats.
Even though urbanisation, environmental values and the spread of online commerce are creating new business opportunities, you cannot draw a straight line from megatrends to the growth outlooks of Finnish businesses operating in the bioeconomy sector.
According to Janne Laine, bioeconomy needs success stories for the most promising people in younger generations to get interested in the field.
Analysis Riitta Hänninen Senior Scientist Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke):…
Kati ter Horst heads Stora Enso’s paper business in a situation where the entire industry has gone through a major change, brought on by gradually declining demand. Yet paper is still a big business.