Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces):Paper testing – Stability of paper (ISO 20494)Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):
In addition to RISE paper testing according to ISO 9706 and ISO 11108, where the paper is used for archival documents, there is ISO 20494, which offers paper stability for general graphic applications such as newspapers, brochures etc. Such paper is not intended for archives; instead, it should maintain its durability during normal use and storage.
Purpose/Benefit:
Paper that meets the requirements of ISO 20494 shows stability for general graphic applications. Examples of possible end products with this paper include newspapers, brochures, catalogs, books, office prints, etc.
The ISO 20494 standard is based on providing a paper where mechanical fibers and/or recycled fibers can be used in paper products, thereby reducing production costs while promoting sustainability and contributing to a significantly reduced environmental footprint.
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):
pH - Cold Water Extract
Acidic paper deteriorates quickly, so pH is an important parameter to measure in paper. Electrolytes are extracted from the paper in a water solution, and the pH value is then measured on this cold water extract.
Alkali Reserve
The formation of acids from air pollution in the surrounding air or natural ageing is harmful to the paper. Therefore, such paper usually contains some alkaline filler (e.g., calcium carbonate) to prevent acid attacks and neutralize the harmful acids, i.e., the paper has an alkali reserve. The alkali reserve can be measured through a titration process.
Tear Strength
Tear strength is a measure of the paper’s mechanical strength and indicates the force (mN) required to tear a piece of paper. Preserving tear strength after ageing is a measure of the paper’s ability to remain durable in the future.
Requirements according to ISO 20494
Tear Strength: The tear strength has a minimum value based on the paper’s surface weight.
Preservation of Tear Strength: The tear strength must not decrease by more than 80% after 12 days of aging at 80°C and 65% RH.
pH Cold Extract: Between 7.5 - 10.0.
Alkali Reserve: At least 0.8 mol of acid per kg.
Accreditation
The testing for paper stability maintain high quality through accreditation according to SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):
Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces):Self-adhesive labels (RA-FS 2006:4)Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):
Self-adhesive labels are attached to archive boxes and other storage media to inform about the contents. The National Archives’ technical regulations RA-FS 2006:4, Appendix 3, set the requirements for testing the durability of self-adhesive labels. RISE testing evaluates whether the labels meet these requirements.
Purpose/Benefit:
RISE testing in archival durability primarily focuses on paper and writing used in the production of documents intended for long-term archival storage. In addition to document production, such paper can be used as a substrate to produce self-adhesive labels intended for archive boxes and other storage media.
Self-adhesive labels are attached to the outside of archive boxes and other storage media to inform about the contents before they are placed in the archive. The labels must withstand the use of the storage media over time, meaning they are taken out, used, and then put back in the archive. However, archives have experienced issues with some labels losing their functionality, such as falling off the storage medium or the information on the labels becoming unclear over time. The purpose of the testing is to evaluate the labels’ functionality and durability.
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):
The durability of the labels must be tested to ensure their functionality over time. Currently, however, there is no ISO standard or certification in this area, so testing and evaluation are carried out according to RA-FS 2006:4.
For labels, the critical aspect is the deterioration of adhesion, which can lead to labels falling off and causing information loss. Therefore, the adhesion test is a crucial part of the testing and includes both unaged and aged material (accelerated ageing in a climate chamber). The testing also includes writeability, appearance, changes in optical density during ageing, water resistance, and abrasion resistance. The writeability and appearance of the labels are compared with reference paper (ageing-resistant paper), where the same writing instruments have been used, and the results should be equivalent.
Requirements according to RA-FS 2006:4, Appendix 3;
Paper: Must meet the requirements of ISO 11108 or ISO 9706.
Adhesive: Must be acrylic-based.
Label Writeability: Must be writable with a roller ball or point pen and printer, and the writing must meet the appearance requirements of ISO 11798:1999, section 4.2.
Results: Must be equivalent between writing on labels and writing on paper that meets the requirements of ISO 9706 or ISO 11108, regarding water resistance and abrasion resistance testing.
For aged samples;
Optical Density: The label’s optical density (according to ISO 5-3 and ISO 5-4) may change by a maximum of 0.10.
Adhesive Bleeding: The adhesive must not bleed through the paper or beyond the edge of the label.
Label Condition: The label must not lift at the corners, become buckled, or wrinkled.
Adhesion properties;
Two types of storage media are tested, and the requirements must be met for both types.
The label may detach a maximum of 10 mm within 10 minutes under a given load.
Two out of three samples must meet the above requirement for both types of storage media, and the average of all three samples must not exceed 10 mm/10 min.
Accreditation
The testing activities for self-adhesive labels maintain high quality through accreditation according to SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):
Testing report and statement on whether the test results meet the requirements of RA-FS 2006:4.
A prerequisite for label testing is that the paper has been tested according to either ISO 9706 or ISO 11108 and that the adhesive is of the acrylic type. If the paper has not been tested, RISE also assists with this paper testing. Test items are sent to RISE for testing. All sample preparation and testing are conducted at RISE.
Standards:
SP3487, Provning av självhäftande etiketter avsedda för arkivboxar och andra typer av förvaringsmedel
RA-FS 2006:4, Riksarkivets föreskrifter och allmänna råd om tekniska krav och certifiering
ISO 11798, Information and documentation — Permanence and durability of writing, printing and copying on paper — Requirements and test methods
ISO 9706, Information and documentation — Paper for documents — Requirements for permanence
ISO 11108, Information and documentation — Archival paper — Requirements for permanence and durability
ISO 5-3, Photography – Density measurements – Part 3: Spectral conditions
ISO 5-4, Photography – Density measurements – Part 4: Geometric conditions for reflection density
Certification and marking:Not applicableType of service:Testing / Analysis / EvaluationInstrument:Not applicableGeneral area:Not applicable
As environmental concerns grow and global regulations on plastic use are being issued, organisations needs to explore new strategies to reduce their use of fossil-based materials and help fight the plastic pollution crisis. Fibre-based foams offer a sustainable, high-performance alternative to petroleum-based foams, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and potentially contributing to lower carbon emissions.
Derived from renewable resources, fibre-based foams fulfill the demand for eco-friendly solutions across industries like automotive, construction, and packaging. Investing in fibre-foams is not just eco-conscious— it is a strategic step toward long-term resilience and market leadership in a greener future.
Partnering with RISE to further develop fibre-based foams provides industry with access to cutting-edge research, innovation, and expertise in sustainable materials.
We offer:
Expertise in areas such as material selection, formulation, process development, and material performance testing
State-of-the-art testing and pilot facilities
Collaborative development opportunities
By working with RISE you can accelerate the commercialization of fibre-based foams, improve product performance, and meet the growing market demands for eco-friendly solutions, thus ensuring that you maintain your competitive edge.
Explore further
Projects and expertise
Cellulose Foam Through a joint undertaking with Apple an innovative, low-density, resilient, cellulose foam is being developed.
Foam materials of forestry side-streams
Air filter from recycled bio-based materials - BioReFil Many air filter materials are based on fossil raw materials. The main aim of this project was to further develop and construct bio-based filter materials, based on residual products from the brewery process and recycled cellulose.
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White paper – Cellulose foams: Sustainable solutions to replace fossil-based plastic foams
Contact form title:Contact us to set up a meeting!Contact form description:
Would you like to discuss how to transition from fossil-based materials to fibre-based foams? Fill out the form to schedule a meeting with our experts.
The next big breakthrough in the bioeconomy is just around the corner. By participating in our international Bioeconomy Research Programme, your company can help drive developments. This programme brings together leading researchers and innovative companies to co-create the sustainable solutions of tomorrow.
Innovation that creates value and sustainability
Collaboration between industry and RISE creates competitiveness with sustainability at its heart. We work strategically to:
Maximise resource efficiency through innovative processes
Transforming raw materials and materials into high value products
Turn waste into valuable assets
Experience shows that collaborative research is more than the sum of its parts. When companies join forces in research projects, both knowledge and resources grow. Collaboration creates a platform for further development in tailor-made projects.
Bioeconomy Research Programme 2025
The new programme builds on the experience and results of the 2021–2024 programme, which focused on areas such as pulp and cellulose, wood and biorefinery, and packaging materials. The established collaborations and networks from the first programme period provide a solid basis for further development.
Based on in-depth dialogue with industry and analysis of future trends, we have identified strategic research areas for the programme that started in January 2025.
Vision and objectives
The research programme will provide companies with the tools to:
Ensure competitiveness in 5–10 years
Develop sustainable solutions to meet future needs
Build strong research collaborations
Benefits of research collaboration
When companies choose to do research with us, they get:
Access to world-leading expertise
Enhanced expertise in strategic areas
An international network
Cost-effective research through shared funding
Faster time to results and market
Possibility of tailor-made projects
Secure management of intellectual property
Patents and rights that create value
Each participant contributes their expertise and gains access to new knowledge to implement in their business. Together we tackle both long-term research challenges and short-term process improvements.
Focus on sustainability
All projects are evaluated on their contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and a sustainable society. Our work is driven by the ambition to create solutions that have a positive impact on society, now and in the future.
Ongoing projects within the Bioeconomy Research Programme
Barriers
Objective: Biobased alternative barrier materials to replace fossil-based laminates. Concept development from lab to pilot scale.
Consortium manager: Astrid Glasenapp
Corrugated board packaging
Objective: Improve the performance and reliability of corrugated board and packaging through improved properties and relevant measurement methods as well as prediction of performance from properties.
Consortium manager: Astrid Glasenapp
Fiber and additive design
Objective: Improve the performance of papermaking additives by tailoring complexes of additives to the fibre surfaces. Explore the possibilities to improve the unit operations by adjusting bleaching parameters.
Consortium manager: Anna Sjöstedt
Lignin production
Objective: To optimise lignin production, focusing on lowering production cost, CAPEX and OPEX and improving quality by implementing new in-process measurement techniques and post-treatment methods
Consortium manager: Mattias Wennerstål
Paperboard packaging
Objective: To improve packaging performance, including how it behaves mechanically, how it looks when printed and how efficiently it can be converted.
Consortium manager: Ida Östlund
Pulping and bleaching
Objective: To improve the pulping process by applying synergistic implementation of impregnation techniques, oxygen delignification and high defibration point to increase overall yield.
Consortium manager: Oskar Westin
Recovery cycle and water management
Objective: To optimise pulp mill processes with a focus on improving runnability and energy savings, decreased water footprint, and improved wastewater management and valorisation.
Consortium manager: Mattias Wennerstål
Recycled fibres
Objective: To improve recycling processes for difficult to recycle materials and understand how fibre and process water quality is affected by different process conditions.
Consortium manager: Pernilla Karlsson
Tissue
Objective: To investigate how alternative fibres, enzymatic treatment, extended oxygen delignification and different embossing patterns influence tissue properties and/or sustainability of tissue paper.
Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces):Post processing of textile fibresLead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):
RISE in Mölndal offers a broad expertise within post processing of textile fibres, from different raw materials and for different end uses.
Purpose/Benefit:
Almost all textile fibres need some type of post processing to be used in a final product, from clothing and home ware to technical and industrial textiles. RISE testbed for fibre development includes eqipment to develop prototypes adapted to the customer's needs.
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):
Rewinding: Rewinding can be carried out to produce yarn packages of desired characteristics. Properties like weight, form and density can be adjusted. The rewinder can also be used for application of spin finish on fibres.
Texturing: A Stuffer Box is available for texturing of fibers, where continous tow or yarn is crimped mechanically. The crimp frequency and amplitude can be adjusted for different purposes.
Cutting: In RISE fibre lab it is possible to cut continous fibres from tow or filament yarn to staple fibres, in the lengths of 30, 38, 50 or 60 mm.
For further development of prototypes, equipment for yarn spinning, knitting and nonwoven production is available.
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):
According to agreement.
Area:Material transitionContact person (Enter one name per field. Activated personal contact pages will appear automatically):Desiré Rex, Forskare
Field measurements:NoPrice type:1Division:Division Materials and IndustryPreparation:No preparation requiredCertification and marking:Not applicableType of service:Not applicableInstrument:Not applicableGeneral area:Not applicable
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, in collaboration with Apple, is developing an innovative low-density, resilient cellulose foam to help address plastic pollution.
Together, Apple and RISE are making significant progress toward developing a pulp-based replacement for polymeric foams in cushioning applications, a first step in enabling a sustainable and low-carbon future.
Basic performance requirements were defined for replacing polymeric foams with a wood pulp-based material.
1. Pulp content must be high enough to qualify as paper or board.
2. The Material must: - be fully compatible with existing paper recycling streams (re-pulpable, non-contaminating) - not bond to or otherwise remove fibres from the recycling cycle, - be mouldable, cuttable, formable, or assemblable into shapes suitable for packaging.
3. Manufacturing must be scalable to commercially relevant volumes.
To accelerate progress and shorten time to market, we are inviting partners to build on our work and develop the material toward different applications.
Companies that experiment and collaborate with industry peers to benefit from the latest research will get a head start on the industrial transition. The Bioeconomy research programme is the arena where this happens.
By 2030, EU emissions will have been reduced by at least 55%. EU agriculture ministers have recognised that the bioeconomy has clear potential to be part of the solution to the climate crisis and dependence on fossil fuels. It could also play an important role in strengthening food security, an issue that has become highly topical in the context of global uncertainty.
"A lot needs to happen in the coming years," says Caroline Ankerfors, head of RISE's Bioeconomy research programme. And within the research programme, participating companies have the opportunity to make a difference while strengthening their own competitiveness by working together to find ways to benefit from the latest research.
"The key word is 'together'. When companies from different parts of the value chain come together around common challenges, everyone gets the full picture. If you have ten companies in a joint project, you are ten times more likely to achieve something," says Caroline Ankerfors.
As part of the research programme, RISE is working with companies to find new solutions in areas such as climate-friendly materials and new processes. Reducing the use of fossil-based additives is also on the agenda. Partners range from forestry companies, pulp mills and paper producers to food, cosmetics and door manufacturers.
Combination of breadth and focus for climate benefits
At the end of 2024, RISE launched another extensive research programme and more projects may be added. The aim is to fill the programme with actors who have green transition and climate benefits as important driving forces. Many of the companies that participated in previous research programmes are already involved in the new round.
"The companies are very active and generous with their experience. This is crucial to ensure that the projects launched are relevant and lead to something concrete. The idea is that the knowledge gained by the companies is put to use, either with our help or by the companies themselves using the new knowledge to improve their products and processes and thereby strengthen their competitiveness," says Caroline Ankerfors.
Green transition is the common thread of the bioeconomy research programme
Green transition is the common thread
The approach is for the partner companies to form consortia and work together on various projects. Examples include developing fibres for better paper performance or improving wood recycling processes.
"The common thread throughout the Bioeconomy Research Programme is green transition, becoming bio-based in areas where we may not be today. It is about making the best use of our raw materials and being resource efficient in everything from food production to pulp production and forestry. We are approaching the same question and challenge from different angles."
How does it work to get industry colleagues, and in some cases competitors, in the same room with common goals?
"The project structure of the programme is such that in the basic projects we do not work with application development, but the companies are involved in what is called pre-competitive research. This is where it is safe to be competitors in the same room. We also have agreements that protect both the results and the information provided by the participants," says Caroline Ankerfors.
Who decides what the projects are about?
"The projects have been developed by RISE in close dialogue with the participating companies, who have also been given the opportunity to provide input. It is of course important that the project content is of value to all participating companies, but this is not usually a problem. Not everyone may be super interested in 100 per cent of the content, but perhaps 75 per cent."
In the example of ten companies carrying out a joint research project, the participants get a tenfold return on their research money, access to each other's knowledge - and to RISE's brains and labs.
"If you have the capacity and interest to manage the knowledge, it is very valuable," says Caroline Ankerfors.
HOW THE BIOECONOMY RESEARCH PROGRAMME WORKS
Industrial companies and RISE together create competitiveness based on sustainability. Partly by researching the efficient use of existing resources and partly by refining raw materials, materials and products into higher value goods.
The programme has ongoing research projects in:
Barriers
Corrugated board packaging
Fibre and additive design
Lignin production
Paperboard packaging
Pulping and bleaching
Recovery cycle and water management
Recycled fibres
Tissue
STORA ENSO - ONE OF THE PARTNER COMPANIES IN THE LAST ROUND OF THE RESEARCH PROGRAMME
Stora Enso has invested in research within the Bioeconomy Research Programme, with one of the projects aiming to develop stronger recycled paper for corrugated board and packaging. The research offers the company the opportunity to increase its market share against competitors that still use finite resources. Read about the project.
Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces):Analysis of Wood Extractives Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):
Extractives are low molecular weight compounds that can be extracted from wood. The substances protect the tree against rot, pests and other attacks but can cause problems in industrial processes.
Purpose/Benefit:
Wood extractives are well-known to cause problems in the production process e.g. by formation of deposits on process equipment or foaming. The extractives may also give rise to spots in the pulp or paper, as well as negatively influence several paper properties. Isolated and modified wood extractives are also compounds with a very high added value in various fields as biochemicals (e.g., pharmaceuticals and cosmetics).
What can we do?
RISE has very long experience in analysis of wood extractives. We can offer a wide range of extraction and characterization techniques which, in combination, offer a detailed characterization of the extractives in various types of samples, for example:
• Extractive content (gravimetric) in all types of samples.
• Chemical composition and quantification of Extractives in wood and bark, extractives in pulp and paper, tall oil in black liquor and Extractives in liquors and filtrates.
• Characterization of deposits and spots.
• Molecular weight distribution of extracts.
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):
Extracts are derivatized and analyzed by GC/MS: Typically, individual fatty acids, resin acids, sterols, fatty alcohols, hydroxy acids etc. are quantified.
Molecular mass distribution: The molecular mass of an extract is determined by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), THF (tetrahydrofuran) or water-based systems. Detection with ultraviolet detector and/or refractive index detector and/or light scattering detector (MALS).
Analysis with LC/MS: Water soluble compounds can be investigated and quantified by liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometer.
Phenolic groups: Sum of phenolic groups are determined using the Folin-Cocialteau spectrophotometric method.
Characterization of extracts with Pyrolysis-GC/MS: The results are given in the form of chromatograms (pyrograms) with identification of seen compounds e.g. lignin, carbohydrates, tannins, extractives etc. Semi quantitative analysis. Very small samples (about 1 mg) can be analysed.
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):
Results are compiled in an analysis report.
Area:BioeconomyContact person (Enter one name per field. Activated personal contact pages will appear automatically):Anders Reimann
Field measurements:NoPrice type:1Division:Division BioeconomyPreparation:No preparation requiredCertification and marking:Not applicableType of service:Not applicableInstrument:Not applicableGeneral area:Not applicableDivison (OLD):Division BioeconomyDelivery level:Not applicable
anders.reimann@ri.se
/en/node/10120
Purpose - Header:Wood extractivesMetod - Header:Methods, Intrumentation and ExpertiseDelivery - Header:DeliveryMore information - Header:Mer information
Reduce climate and environmental impacts through data-driven decisions.
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impacts of a package throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction and production to use, recycling, and end-of-life management. The analysis provides a sound basis for decision-making when developing more sustainable packaging solutions and helps companies prioritize actions where they deliver the greatest benefit to both the environment and the business.
RISE combines expertise in packaging, materials, and environmental assessment. We support companies and organizations in quantifying climate and environmental impacts, comparing alternative solutions, and identifying improvement opportunities without compromising packaging performance or product protection.
We can help you with
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Carbon Footprint (CF)
Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)
Comparisons of packaging materials and packaging alternatives
Identification of environmental hotspots and improvement opportunities
Decision support for product development, sustainability targets, and customer communication
All assessments are conducted in accordance with relevant standards and established methodologies.
Stock preparation is a crucial factor in paper production. Our expertise in stock preparation is based on extensive research with low-concentration refining, screening, fractionation with both screens and hydrocyclones and measurement techniques for fiber properties. We can develop new concepts, optimize processes in lab, pilot and mill scale.
Our Expertise
Stock preparation is a crucial factor for the efficiency of the process and the properties of the end product in paper production. Our expertise in stock preparation is based on extensive research with low-concentration grinding, screening, fractionation with both strainers and hydrocyclones and measurement technology connected on-line for measurement of fiber properties as well as experience from industrial environments.
This can be used to get the most out of the stock, optimising the choice of fibre raw materials, stock composition and product quality. For example, maximizing fiber performance, improving energy efficiency, upgrading the quality of recovered fiber, and producing fiber-based strength additives such as high-fibrillated pulp, finely enriched pulp and adhesive pulp.
What we offer
We can carry out lab-scale, pilot-scale and even full-scale factory trials. We can tailor product and use-specific solutions to increase product performance and production efficiency.
We can help our customers assess performance and optimize processes. The stock preparation system in our pilot fleet has industrial-sized equipment and is capable of modelling most industrial process concepts. This makes industrial-scale surveys possible.
