Articles and blog posts on materials and durability

We spend a lot of our lives indoors, so it’s important that the materials around us are safe and don’t release anything that could impact our health. To help protect us, there are rules in place – and these are about to get stricter. A new EU regulation is coming next year, and VMG Group is already preparing, with support from RISE.

Imagine a Swedish industrial company that has been actively working with sustainability for years. They've chosen recycled materials, placed clear demands on their suppliers and made an effort to stay informed about new regulations and guidelines. Still, keeping up is challenging – and it’s not always clear what applies.

The construction sector has a lot to gain from reclaiming materials - especially load-bearing structures such as concrete frames, which often have a long lifespan after demolition. Despite the great climate potential, development is being slowed by unclear rules and uncertainty about quality. To speed up the transition, RISE has established a center with the goal of making reuse a natural part of the construction process.

How do you lead innovation in an organization undergoing a historic transformation? For LKAB, it’s not just about new technology – it’s also about developing an organization that can systematically identify opportunities, make wise decisions, and turn them into action. – We often say that everything starts in the mine, says Markus Odevall, Innovation Strategist at LKAB.

The energy system of the future is based on batteries. But while other countries and regions have secured the entire chain – from raw material to finished product – Europe has lost momentum and is struggling with failed investments. How can we reverse this trend?

Giving used products a new life is not only a sustainable solution—it can also make strong business sense. Join Husqvarna Construction on its journey towards a more circular business model. “We see both environmental and economic benefits in reintroducing products to the market,” says Adam Björk, Sustainability Director at Husqvarna Construction.

The construction and property sector is in urgent need of a transition to circular business models, not least to meet future sustainability requirements. One of the challenges is to create a working system for the reuse of construction products. Those who find the right solutions have a lot to gain.

At a time when resources are increasingly limited and the need to reduce waste, emissions and energy consumption is more urgent than ever, the aluminium industry is facing major challenges. The energy required to produce one tonne of aluminium from bauxite ore is equivalent to the annual consumption of an average-sized house. But there is hope. Recycled aluminium can secure the supply for the future - in a more sustainable way.

Sweden is planning to reclaim its position as a leading nuclear power nation, but the long period of downsizing has taken its toll. There is a shortage of qualified suppliers and components. Could 3D printing be part of the solution? Ringhals believes so, having spent years exploring and developing new manufacturing processes for the nuclear industry in collaboration with the Application Center for Additive Manufacturing at RISE.

Reusing heavy building components such as concrete frames will help the construction sector achieve net zero emissions by 2045 – while increasing the number of homes. Efforts are now underway to shape the market. 

Scientists and politicians agree – PFAS should not be present in products manufactured now or in the future. In anticipation of a broad EU ban, companies need to ascertain whether their product portfolios contain PFAS substances. This knowledge is essential to meet future requirements.  

Last year, one million Chinese-made electric cars were sold in Europe. Chinese car manufacturers have an overproduction of electric cars and are therefore filling all available carriers to sell them in Europe at a higher price than in China. With new carriers being built, competition is intensifying further. What can the European automotive industry do in this situation?

Wood exposed to moisture or free water becomes susceptible to microbial growth over time. Remediation of the growth may be a better option than tearing out and replacing all the wood with new. An overall perspective with knowledge of all relevant parameters is required in order to make the right assessment and decision. A preliminary summary of the current situation regarding decontamination has been carried out by RISE and is briefly presented below.

The presence of mould can cause problems in the indoor environment, including bad odours, and affect people's well-being and health. Significant amounts are spent annually on repairing moisture and mould damage, so it is important to prevent damage. Knowing the critical moisture condition of the materials in a building envelope makes it possible to assess the risk of mould growth when exposed to moisture and is an important part of carrying out a moisture safety design.

"Courage is essential. Success isn't guaranteed, but without trying, you'll never find out," says Robert Aronsson, Construction Manager at Totech, reflecting on the subject of 3D printing. In 2023, the company took a bold step by printing its first hydraulic block in stainless steel. This achievement was realized as part of the recently concluded 3D-Action project, coordinated by RISE. 

We’re now calling the furniture industry into the Circular Business Lab at RISE. There will be a digital information meeting on November 17th 2023 at 13:00 to present the lab and how it can be of value to you on your circular journey. Please let us know if you’re curious to take part and would like an invitation!