Ecohelix

Purpose and goal

The goal of the project was to verify if the Ecohelix technology would be scalable and suitable for industrial production. We set out to investigate process economy, integration to the customers process and evaluate the product suitability for the packaging industry. Definition of a viable business model after technical verification and market study was to be performed as well as the plan for the road to market in case of a positive outcome.

Results and expected effects

We were able to achieve and optimize a suitable processing method to input waste material and output a product with attractive properties and process economy. By using the method we were also able to potentially affect the water and energy recycling scheme and environmental impact of the mill. The business model was found attractive with the future company offering a turnkey process for the customers providing a simple, robust and cost-effective method for hemicellulose processing.

Approach and implementation

The project was implemented as planned to most of the aspects. We were able to take the technology from laboratory to a pilot scale industrial setup and build a business case. We were not able to perform pilot scale coating runs, but as the result of the commitment of our industrial partner, the planning for this work is underway. The road to market is clear but we need two investment rounds to be able to accomplish it.