Cellulose-PLA - From Swedish forests to sustainable plastic products

Important results from the project

The purpose of this project was to scale up and verify the process that was developed during the feasibility study, as well as to identify a possible value chain and to analyze this system based on business and sustainability. In addition, a circular business model would be built and finally the market for the resulting product analyzed. All these activities have been carried out with good results where some steps have already been commercialized, and the road is now open to commercialize other results. Bioplastics production in Sweden of forest residual streams will become a reality.

Expected long term effects

The results are that the process holds for upscaling, the economic, ecological and climatological effect of a large-scale production is positive, the conditions for circularity are good and the market for the product is growing rapidly and exceeds USD 5 billion. At present, there is a global shortage of PLA, which means that distributors must deny new customers. A business case has been calculated that shows very good profitability. In addition, there is no large-scale production of PLA in Europe and all PLA is currently made on food products, which are further advantages for this case.

Approach and implementation

The design of the project as a whole was well adapted to the scope, all work packages could be completed within the time frame and there was time for result evaluation and business case preparation. The project participants were adequate for what was to be done and everyone contributed what they expected to be able to contribute. There was a good balance between theoretical and practical knowledge and execution, as well as a good balance between the sexes of the project participants.