Technology infrastructures for circular transition

The testbed for the circular wood value chain in Skellefteå is a creative environment for research and development. Here, you can test, verify, and further develop materials, components, and building systems – from idea to reuse – in collaboration with experts and industry.

Infrastructure for producing nanocellulose from different types of pulp at a capacity up to 100 kg per day.

Growing environmental concerns around plastic pollution, climate change, and the increasing demand for renewable materials have heightened the need for research and development in the field of molded fiber products. The ability to form 3D shaped products from biobased fibers provide a promising avenue for recyclable and/or biodegradable solutions.

The separation of cellulose from forests, agriculture and the sea constitutes a fundamental aspect of biorefinery and sustainable production. The Earth's circular and renewable raw materials are in demand and should be sufficient for a considerable amount, and this demand is increasing.

The high-pressure platform enables conversion of various renewable feedstock into both green fuels and bio-based chemicals. The facility has batch and flow reactors that can handle various types of feed at small and medium scales. RISE also offers extensive expertise in the analysis and characterisation of biofuels and biochemicals.

By applying high pressure and heat, pulp fibres can be compressed and bonded together in a way that increases paper density and strength. The lignin in the mechanical pulp plays a crucial role in creating strong packaging as it acts as a natural binder between the fibers.

For hydrogen to be used as a fuel it is important to have an efficient storage solution. RISE has worked with the development of hydrogen storage tanks for a considerable number of years. Background expertise for development of composite storage tanks include development of both gas and liquid hydrogen in the form of both type 4 and type 5 tank

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a thermochemical conversion process for upgrading side streams into HTC carbon with interesting properties. Possible applications include soil improvement, environmental remediation, energy storage, dewatering, and as an energy source.

During 2021, a lab-scale electrochemistry test bed has been established in Örnsköldsvik. This technology can use renewable electricity to create valuable chemicals and alternate fuels from industrial waste streams.

Increased population in the world results in increased consumption of textiles. This means that the textile raw material needs to be optimised and its process developed to make them more sustainable so that the consumption of the earth's resources is reduced. In that context, the spin pilot is excellent for new techniques and ideas about textils.

To develop and optimise regenerated cellulose, RISE has two viscose pilots, one on a micro-scale and another one for larger volumes of viscose solution. The pilots consist of six parts which together correspond to an actual viscose manufacturing process.

The gasification test beds can be used from fundamental research to demonstration scale. The main stakeholders of gasification lie within the plastic recycling industry, the forest industry and the fuel industry.

LignoCity is the world's only open testbed with flexible production of tailor-made lignin qualities at an industrial scale. Here, opportunities are created for companies to develop, test, and scale up new climate-smart solutions – from idea to market.

Pyrolysis is a liquification technology that can be used both for biomass and for plastic waste and the product can be used either as an energy source or in the manufacture of chemicals and fuels. At RISE there are test beds for pyrolysis that can be used from research and development to demonstrations and technology transfer.

The SHC test bed enables conversion of biobased feedstock, even hard-to-process feedstock like pyrolysis oil and lignin, to chemicals and fuels. The pilot plant can be run in both continuous and semi-batch mode. RISE also offers relevant peripheral equipment, as well as expertise and equipment for characterisation of raw materials and products.

The testbed for combustion is used for tests, evaluation and demonstration of combustion processes and mainly used to examine ash-related challenges, although is also used for research projects. The main industries using the testbed is mining and food industry (combustion of waste products), but also within the recycling- and forest industry.