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…

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 alw…

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 sp…

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 everyt…

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…

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 consumptio…

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…

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 intensifyin…

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 as…

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 ma…

"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 achieveme…

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…

Measuring the temperature of a material's surface is not optimal. Despite that, the need for surface temperature measurements is great in many industries. Patrik Broberg, researcher at RISE, works to ensure that the measurements are as good and reliable as possible.

Cooling buildings requires a lot of energy and is expected to increase with climate change. By using certain materials and colors, part of the cooling can take place passively and inexpensive, even in full sunlight.

Among the materials we need most for the sustainable transition are those that are rare or difficult to extract. And while our need for them increases, so does everyone else’s. The EU’s need for rare earth elements is projected to increase sixfold, by as early as 2030. The need for lithium will dou…

Today, many companies set goals for using recycled materials. But far too few actually do so. So how do we build trust in using recycled materials on a large scale – and how do we get everyone involved to accept the challenges it entails?  “It’s often more expensive,” says Christina Jöns…

He has developed copper-based hunting bullets that work just as well or better than those containing lead. Staffan Leth, hunter and passionate sport shooter, has the best possible proof of this. RISE’s test facility has delivered impartial evidence of the bullet’s behaviour.

Volvo Cars has committed to becoming a circular business by 2040. A challenge that, according to themselves, is one of the biggest they’ve ever faced. The use of recycled and bio-based materials is part of the solution, as is additive manufacturing. We have talked to Torbjörn Larsson, Senior Princi…

How can we combine circularity with a sustainable business model? This was a question that Andreas Mattisson of furniture company EFG had given a great deal of thought to. It was only after chancing on a lecture on future adaptive design by Thomas Nyström of RISE that the pieces began to fall into …

Municipalities are attempting to achieve ambitious climate goals, but must also meet the increasing need for new housing and premises. The construction sector wants to become part of a circular economy – but must first and foremost comply with strict building codes and material requirements. These …

Access to fossil-free electricity. Industrial expertise. A clear strategy. Moving forwards, Sweden is well equipped to become a leading European battery nation. According to experts at RISE, we now need more testbeds, faster mining permit processes and easier routes to investment in the battery val…

The automotive industry has ambitious sustainability goals, and these apply throughout the value chain. But what does it really mean for the hundreds of Swedish companies that supply their components?

For a resilient water supply, both the supply and quality of the water need to be ensured. It demands materials that last over time and do not cause contamination. The latest update to the EU Drinking Water Directive brings new requirements affecting everyone involved in water supplies, from munici…

The climate crisis put the focus on the need to fundamentally change our way of life – becoming more resource efficient in using renewable raw materials and recycling products. Transitioning from traditional sales to a circular business model is a challenge, and an absolutely crucial success factor…

Long-lasting products are a must if we are to achieve sustainable production and consumption. To encourage companies and guide consumers, RISE is developing the Certified to LAST concept, a way of rewarding products with long service life.  – “It can reduce and slow down material fl…