Ecohelix - application with dissolving pulp production
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Ecohelix AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 175 000 |
| Project duration | July 2015 - December 2015 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme Bioinnovation |
Purpose and goal
The purpose and goal of the project were fulfilled completely. We were able to map out a process scheme that can fully be established within the Domsjö process. Not only would we be able to extract and upgrade a useful lignin-hemicellulose product, but also likely improve the dissolving pulp production by decreasing the amount of organic matter in the pulping liquors. We have signed agreements with four chemical companies that, after our negotiations, are interested in our polymer product. These cooperations will move towards product testing at a later stage.
Results and expected effects
We have found a suitable part of the Domsjö process, where a stream of soluble hemicelluloses and lignin can be isolated. The laboratory results suggests that this can easily be done by utilizing membrane filtration with existing commercial machinery. The isolated material can thereafter be upgraded by using the Ecohelix technology resulting in a product that has potential in several application areas. The meetings with end customers resulted in an interest for our product which full potential for each application will be tested in a later stage.
Approach and implementation
The mapping of the process streams as well as laboratory examination performed as expected and with positive results. The cooperation with Domsjö succeeded in a very good way. We got full support to the examination as well as information on the process. All but one of our customer contacts resulted in further negotiations regarding the testing of the produced material in a later stage. We have a good picture of the business case that could be established together with Domsjö Fabriker, regarding the production and sales of the material.