VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has unveiled a new initiative aimed at tackling the pressing challenges of energy and resource consumption in the forestry and textile industries. The ‘Energy First’ initiative is set to pioneer low-carbon, water-efficient technology that could potentially reduce water usage by up to 90% and energy consumption by over 50%.

With global e-commerce on the rise, the demand for fibre-based packaging solutions is expected to grow by 5–10% annually, according to Statista Market Insights and eMarketer.

This surge necessitates the development of scalable, high-quality, and easily recyclable packaging options that significantly cut carbon footprints. VTT anticipates a substantial shift within non-woven products, such as napkins and wipes, moving away from plastic to cellulose-based alternatives.

Projects, collaborations

The initiative is backed by a budget of approximately 20 million Euros over the next 4 years and will feature several projects, including the establishment of a new open-access pilot line in Jyväskylä, Finland. This collaborative effort aims to develop and test commercially viable, sustainable alternatives for cardboard packaging, hygiene products, and non-woven fabrics.

“This new initiative is a pivotal step towards more sustainable and competitive fibre-based products, and has the potential for great impact, thanks to more than 50 industrial partners,” said Atte Virtanen, Vice-President of Bio-material Processing and Products at VTT.

The forest industry is currently facing challenges, including rising energy costs and fibrewood scarcity. The Energy First initiative aims to address these issues by developing manufacturing processes that minimize both water and energy usage.

Products developed through this initiative will be compatible with existing recycling methods and are designed to provide a sustainable alternative to reusable packaging. The upcoming EU packaging directive mandates that both the raw materials and manufacturing processes must be sustainable, necessitating sustainability assessments for recyclable bio-based packaging solutions.

In addition to enhancing environmental sustainability, the project seeks to redefine the forest industry’s impact and improve the competitiveness of fibre-based products. By producing lighter products, more items can be generated from the same amount of wood, enhancing resource efficiency.

Renewable materials

Sampo Immonen, R&D Director at Valmet, noted, “The ‘Energy First’ project has several captivating work packages that align closely with Valmet’s current research and development objectives, particularly in energy efficiency and novel fibre-based structures.”

Whether in textiles, construction, or energy storage, entire industrial value chains can profitably utilise renewable and reusable materials, aided by scientific advancements. The focus is on creating sustainable materials derived from renewable resources like wood and agricultural byproducts, ensuring that recycling and reusability are integral to the research process.

Atte Virtanen highlighted innovative developments, such as stretchable paperboard that can be recycled alongside traditional paper, demonstrating advancements in material production that conserve natural resources.

By 2030, industries in packaging, composites, chemicals, and textiles are expected to fully embrace bio-based materials, phasing out fossil raw materials and plastics in favour of high-value, renewable, recyclable options.

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