Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Forestcluster Ltd launches two new research programmes in the field of resource-efficient production technologies

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Abstract:
Improving resource-efficiency and developing new highly processed products will help Finland keep the forest industry and related equipment and chemical manufacturing Finnish-based.

Forestcluster Ltd launches two new research programmes in the field of resource-efficient production technologies

Finland | Posted on October 5th, 2010

The programmes aim at increasing forest growth and the availability of raw materials by up to 30 per cent and improving efficiency in the utilisation of raw materials and production inputs by tens of per cents.

Worth EUR 26 million to be spent over the next three years, the programmes involve a large number of forest cluster companies and leading research institutes. Tekes will provide EUR 7.8 million in funding to support the first stages of the programmes.

The new programmes are an extension to Forestcluster's first research programme EffTech (Intelligent, resource-efficient production technologies).

Increasing the usage value of domestic wood

The EffFibre (Value Through Intensive and Efficient Fibre Supply) programme focuses on improving the competitiveness and quality of Finnish wood raw material and developing a completely new type of production technology for chemical pulp. The objective is to improve the availability of domestic wood biomass and the efficiency of the wood supply chain as well as to enhance the usage value of domestic wood. In chemical pulp production, the goal is to generate concepts for improving the value creation potential of Finnish wood while at the same time increasing the yield and reducing energy consumption and capital intensiveness in pulp production.

Aiming at new fibre-based products

The EffNet (Efficient Networking Towards Novel Products and Processes) programme focuses on a completely new type of energy- and resource-efficient production technology for web products and designing nanocellulose-based production concepts and new products. The objective is to develop and demonstrate new types of fibre-based products to expand the range of products offered by the existing forest cluster companies. Special efforts will be made to minimise the energy consumption of new products and processes and develop resource-efficient processes.

Advanced research for differentiation in the global bulk market

"The strength of the programmes being launched is that that research will be carried out in a wide value network that addresses completely new issues in forest growing and management," says Chief Technology Adviser Mikko Ylhäisi of Tekes. "The programmes create the necessary prerequisites for the forest industry and related equipment and chemical manufacturing to continue their operations in Finland. Industry will gain a significant competitive edge through improved productivity and reduced production cost. With time, new products and processes will also be created to help differentiate from bulk producers in the global market for forest products."

"EffTech has achieved excellent results of high international standard that provide a sound basis for pursuing further studies. There was great enthusiasm and extensive cooperation in programme planning. We can look forward to an active and efficient research cooperation between the participating companies, research institutes and universities," says CEO Christine Hagström-Näsi of Forescluster Ltd.

Forestcluster Ltd is responsible for the operation of the cluster's Strategic Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation (SHOK). All the key forest cluster companies and actors are involved in its activities.

Tekes promotes the operations of the Strategic Centres and provides financing for their research programmes and projects.

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For more information, please click here

Contacts:
CEO Christine Hagström-Näsi, Forestcluster Ltd., tel. +358 50 322 2401,

Research Director Lars Gädda, Forestcluster Ltd., tel. +358 50 322 2471,

Chief Technology Adviser Mikko Ylhäisi, Tekes, tel. +358 50 557 7877,

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