Last autumn, the Södra Research Foundation called for research projects with a ‘Resource efficiency’ theme. SEK 8 million has now been granted to seven research projects with topics ranging from the core products and processes of the forest industry, to new innovations in the use of forest by-products.
One of the projects being funded is called ‘Resource-efficient chipping of spruce bark-beetle damaged wood for chemical pulp production.’ This project focuses on developing a new drum-chipping technology for the pulping process.
«This new technology could lead to higher raw material utilisation and higher pulp yields, especially when using wood with low moisture content. We want to use our raw materials as efficiently as possible therefore, any improvement to our processes and equipment that leads to a higher fibre yield is of major interest to the entire forest industry» said Catrin Gustavsson, president of Innovation and New Business at Södra. Other projects are focused on the timber industry with aims ranging from increased utilisation of spruce for sustainable façades, bio-based surface treatments for wood and digitalisation of timber drying processes.