Textile- and specialty cellulose from agricultural residues
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Södra Skogsägarna ek för |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 478 962 |
| Project duration | November 2024 - May 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme Bioinnovation |
| Call | BioInnovation Hypothesis testing Step 1 - 2024 |
Important results from the project
In the project a process has been developed in laboratory scale where an agricultural residue has been converted to a material with high cellulose purity level which has relevant properties for textile- and speciality cellulose. The process has a high total yield of material, significantly higher than in conventional processes, which was also a goal in the project. Further optimization is needed after the project to reduce the chemical demand of the process.
Expected long term effects
The project has contributed to evaluate the potential of agricultural residues for products which has high demand on cellulose purity. In a longer time perspective this can contribute to new business opertunities within the biobased sector. It can involve a higher value creation for Södra as a pulp producer and also bring benefits for swedish farmers and Södras customers worldwide. Also the end consumer would have increased posibilities to chose products based on agricultural residues.
Approach and implementation
The project has been conducted using an iterative strategy where the intensity and number of treatment steps has been varied to achieve a material with targeted properties. The plan from the start gave a good basis for successful project results. The project has been favored by a close collaboration between Södra and Chalmers, where a project assistant has been employed for ten weeks. The activity level in the project was intensified during these weeks also at Södra to reach targeted progress.