From Dust to Value: SHAPE & partners begin new R&D project

Business Finland has granted funding to SHAPE Ecosystem and partners for the “From Dust to Value” research project.

In collaboration with Finnish universities and businesses, this three year R&D project aims to uncover the high-value production potential of wood dust and other previously overlooked wood side streams.

The primary focus is to develop a sustainable value chain from wood-based side streams to high-value bio-based products such as dispersants, wood adhesives, binders and coatings, thermoplastic biocomposites and fiber-based insulation materials through an efficient and integrated biorefinery approach. From Dust to Value aims to reduce waste, replace fossil materials and minimize the use of harmful chemicals.

Communication and transparency are a crucial part of efficient resource utilization. A dedicated package within the project will explore methods for marking and communicating the presence of valuable sidestreams in a product.

SHAPE Ecosystem will collaborate on the D2V project with Åbo Akademi University, University of Turku, University of Helsinki, Boreal Bioproducts, Kiilto, GVK, Durat (Tonerster), Fiberwood, Cajo and Woodly (steering group).

“Being part of this project with such a diverse set of partners is of great value to us. We all share a common vision for ‘the green transition’ and look forward to innovating together”, says Markus Kass, leader of SHAPE R&D theme Sustainable materials.

For more information, please contact:

Markus Kass

Sustainable Materials markus.kass@mirka.com

+358 40 825 6795