Research and development

Södra invests 8.8 million Swedish kroner in research and development projects

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The Södra Research Foundation has decided to allocate 8.8 million Swedish kroner to twelve research projects on wood and the forestry industry.

This funding has been allocated to projects which involve the development of processes for the groundwood industry, fabric recycling and groundwood flow control.

«The linear life cycle for fabrics should become circular, but the lack of recycling technologies is a big problem. One of the projects which is being funded is aimed at further developing a process for mixed fabric recycling which is compatible with today’s forestry industry in Sweden; this is expected to be of interest both for our sector and for the textile industry», says Catrin Gustavsson, Vicepresident for senior innovation and new business at Södra.

Several forestry-related projects have received funding, for example the study of genetic gains, Douglas fir, damage to pine trees and best forecasts of swarms for red fir bark beetles. «We are planning to increase the share of pine trees in young forests, first of all in order to counteract climate change. Nevertheless, we are noticing more and more problems regarding a growth disorder in pinewood regeneration areas, which is a cause of concern in respect of this initiative. We hope that the money received from the Foundation for a research project aimed at clarifying the cause-effect relationship will help us understand how we can tackle these issues» says Göran Örlander, forestry strategist and Chairman of the Research Foundation.

Alongside the call to submit proposals this autumn, research carried out on the efficient use of resources in the forestry industry seems to be particularly appreciated. The call for proposals regards both the main products from the forestry industry and its by-products.

«The efficient use of wood as a raw material, the by-products from collection, energy, water and chemicals help reduce costs and improve profitability. At the same time this is also good for society, companies and individuals, because it minimises the environmental and climate impacts» concludes Örlander.