snOWWOol - Swedish wool residuals saves snow and glaciers

Purpose and goal

The aim is to a) Develop a snow storage cloth where the fossil material polypropylene has been replaced by a bio-based raw material (wool), and b) better use of wool that today goes to incineration or landfill from sheep farming and industrial waste streams. Long term, the project also aims to contribute to reduced climate change connected to the melting of snow and ice. The goal is to develop the properties of snow storage cloths by lab tests and finally carry out a full-scale test at a ski resort in Sweden, as well as to develop a detailed business plan for commercialization.

Expected effects and result

The project will result in an optimized recipe for a bio-based snow storage cloth tested in a large scale. Expected effects: Immediate - increased knowledge about bio-based snow storage cloths, increased interest in covering snow; Medium term - increased demand for fossil-free products, bio-based snow storage cloths are produced and used at Nordic winter sports facilities and Swedish residual streams of wool are used in production; Long term - bio-based snow storage cloths are used to preserve snow (winter sports) and glaciers, cost and resource efficient manufacturing.

Planned approach and implementation

The project consists of 6 work packages with a focus on developing a recipe for the snow storage cloth, lab tests and initial field tests, prioritizing recipes for large-scale production and full-scale trials which will be carried out in the spring of 2024 (2,000 - 4,000 m2). LCA for both fossil-based and bio-based snow storage cloth will be carried out, as well as development of IP strategy and business and commercialization plan. Implementation of networking and communication efforts with a focus on workshops with stakeholders as well as participation in external events.