Jun 8 2015
A collaborative team of researchers from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Aalto University, Tampere University of Technology and the University of Vaasa is involved the Design Driven Value Chains in the World of Cellulose (DWoC) 2.0 project to develop novel biomaterial applications.
Knitwear manufactured from recycled cellulose. (Photo: Eeva Suorlahti)
The DWoC project searches for new design-driven applications of cellulose and developing related technology with the aim to discover novel ways to produce value in cellulose-based ecosystems. It is hoped that fossil-based raw materials can be replaced with these novel materials in interior decoration elements, car interior materials and textile products.
"The Government Programme emphasises the importance of the bioeconomy for Finland's future and economic renewal. Renewal necessitates giant research-driven leaps, strong risk taking and national investment in research and innovation funding. Wood the – "green gold" of Finland – is a renewable raw material and wood cellulose can be converted to a golden opportunity when we find new high added value applications alongside the traditional paper and pulp industry," says Project Coordinator Johanna Buchert, Vice President, Research, VTT.
In order to endorse bio-economy and sustainable development, extensive cooperation is required. During the first phase of the DWoC project, a number of approaches to integrating design and materials research were tested, generating basic product concepts and ideas and next-generation technology innovations. For instance, during this phase, yarn was produced directly from pulp fibre suspension — a product which has since been manufactured by Spinnova Oy.
At present, the second phase is underway, where textile applications such as 3D printing of cellulose are being worked upon. Also, the use of cellulose-based materials in the built environment is being examined. The second phase will also focus upon novel types of textile manufacturing processes and equipment.
Funding from Tekes to the total of EUR 4.9 million will enable researchers to collaborate to discover improvements that will assist in the creation of new business ideas and opportunities. One of the crucial objectives is the future commercialisation of new products and concepts. They will be examining ways to build up a value-producing network of companies based on cellulose-based materials, with the main focus being design-sector companies.
The DWoC project will be sharing all the findings relating to potential of cellulose materials so as to support the extensive collaboration network, not only in Finland but throughout the world. To achieve the national objectives, various sectors need to join hands including funders, research institutions, companies and universities. Finland is expected to become a superpower in the generation of a new cellulose sector.
The DWoC project is scheduled between 31 March 2015 and 1 April 2018. Research partners in the project are VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Aalto Univerisity, Tampere University of Technology and the University of Vaasa's Department of Management.