Analysis model opens up for more green business in the north

Bioeconomy is an area that has grown in recent years. In the northern parts, the forest is an important key to achieving the climate goals that have been set, with the possibility of producing more products through the integration of biorefinery concepts.

RISE works in various ways to support the transition to more bio-based industry. In the Biomodel4Regions project, northern Sweden is one of six regions that will jointly develop bioeconomic governance models. With the help of a model for product development and our expertise, RISE has investigated whether it may be possible to place safe and relevant investments in the northern regions and utilize the bio raw material in a more efficient way.  The model supports the analysis of strategic opportunities, financial feasibility, synergies, and technical and market opportunities. 

"The model itself is not unique, but it is the context in which we apply it that is interesting. Could there be a business case for biorefineries in northern Sweden? We want to answer that question. In the model, we have analyzed a potential business, based on a product development process that focuses on biorefinery in northern Sweden where we define how it fits in a regional, European and international perspective. We also take it one step further and look at how it could work in a potential market in the future," says Jonas Markusson, senior project manager at RISE.

An important part of the work is to find tools to support decisions on new businesses that are both more profitable and more sustainable and can replace previous fossil-based alternatives.

- For research and development, this is important to understand and look at the big picture. With this tool, we always focus on the business. Our ambition is for the model to contribute to both business and societal benefits in a concrete way. It will be exciting to see how we can now apply this and support companies in their transition," says Jonas.

There are many opportunities for new products or combinations from bio-based bio and residual streams, but there are also obstacles along the way. 

"Currently, the bio-based raw materials are expensive to process, but we believe that with process development, new technology and new solutions, it can open up for more profitable business where the European industry looks towards northern Sweden and sees a potential future market here," says Jonas.

Are you interested in knowing more about how RISE can support your business development? Contact us and we can tell you more.

Read more about the Biomodel4Regions project here

Read more about Bioeconomy Arena and RISE's collective infrastructure, expertise and networks for the development, upscaling and commercialization of new bio-based products and processes.