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Separation of cellulose on a pilot scale

Separation of cellulose
Chip

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.

Image: Jonas Forsberg
Laboratory testbeds (LT)
Region Västernorrland

Lars Sundvall

Forskare
+46 70 526 52 21 Read more about Lars
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Division: Division Bioeconomy

Cellulose separation in a pilot plant

RISE has developed a range of innovative pilot methods, capable of simulating all commercial cooking processes and optimising both kraft and sulphite pulping. The utilisation of wood chip and liquor samples in the pilot digester facilitates the recreation of mill environments, thereby supporting biorefinery research.

Key benefits:

  • Improved yield and process efficiency
  • Cleaner and more sustainable production
  • Digitalisation and simulation capabilities
  • Optimised separation and purification

Flexible cooking process:

  • Time & Temperature: Precise control for optimal cellulose yield
  • Cooking Liquors: Adjustable concentrations and flow rates
  • Batch & Continuous Cooking: Simulates industrial processes
  • Large-Scale Testing: Handles up to 40 kg of wood chips

This advanced separation technology facilitates the efficient extraction of cellulose from a variety of wood species and chip sizes, thereby driving innovation in the pulp and biorefinery industries.

Real-time chip Impregnation pilot

The subject of impregnation studies is of interest to all chemical pulp processes, irrespective of whether the end product is paper pulp or dissolving pulp. It is imperative for pulp mills seeking to enhance their production or grappling with impregnation-related issues to ensure the optimal impregnation of chips.

Energy and Clean Tech Food and agriculture Manufacturing Materials Process industry Pulp, paper and packaging
Bioeconomy Biorefinery Circular transition Packaging Agriculture Climate neutral industry Chemical processes and products Chemical and biological analysis Pulp and paper Material transition Production and manufacturing Textile Wood technology
BioInnovation
2001

Address

Hörneborgsvägen 10, Örnsköldsvik/Domsjö

Division (OLD): Division Bioeconomy Pulp and paper Sekundär områdes navigation:
Circular transition
Metrology
Production and manufacturing
Agriculture
Chemical products and processes

Preliminary study on circular synergies between land, forest and sea u

Cirkular synergies
A group of fish swims in a turqouise sea

How can we increase circularity and create the highest possible value from industrial residual flows? Within a feasibility study, the aim is to identify focus areas for industrial symbiosis and potential partners in the forest industry and the fish farming industry across the Sweden-Norway border.

Project owners
Completed
Bioeconomy
Four months
33 440 EUR
Division: Division Bioeconomy

Whether materials, energy or chemicals, virtually all production gives rise to some form of residual flows that need to be managed. Higher demands on circularity mean that more producers need to see the value and take care of residual flows in the best possible way. The project brings together industry, research institutes, and stakeholders in agriculture, forestry and marine management to explore opportunities to integrate and optimize our natural resources for a sustainable future.

The aim of this feasibility study is to

  • Explore opportunities to collaborate in land, forest and marine industrial activities with a focus on bioresource circularity within the blue-green cycle. 
  • Identify and initiate discussions with interested parties on both sides of the border in the local community, industry and academia, where access to residual streams and/or technology exists to further close the cycles and contribute to a lower environmental footprint. 
  • Investigate conditions for cooperation and knowledge transfer with upper secondary school and vocational programs in bioeconomy 

Final report 

The feasibility study has provided a fruitful basis for understanding the residual flows and needs on both sides of the border in the blue-green cycle. There has been great interest among various stakeholders, from the agricultural side, the forestry industry, the aquaculture industry, as well as in teaching and academic institutions and green industry sites, which work with industrial symbiosis. The desire to collaborate further to learn from each other and find forms of cooperation between industrial sites is high, which shows that the circular is a highly topical subject where the endeavour to be part of the blue-green transition is strong in the regions. The project has illustrated that there is a clear synergistic added value of working across the border regions on nutrient flows and carbon flows, but also highlighted difficulties regarding differences in national / EU regulations for nutrient recycling of fish sludge, logistics for residual stream management and getting techno-economically sustainable value chains.

Eleonora Borén

Innovations- och processledare
+46 10 516 67 96 Read more about Eleonora
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Yvonne M Nordin

Senior Project Manager
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2. Zero hunger
4. Quality education
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
12. Responsible consumption and production
14. Life below water
17. Partnerships for the goals
Project end date: Circular transition Sekundär områdes navigation:
Maritime
Pulp and paper
Food
Agriculture

Doubling down on sustainability as Stora Enso explores corrugated board

Wellpapp

Corrugated board is the world's most widely used transport packaging. But it is not without its challenges. Its production requires a lot of wood fibre and the finished packaging can be damaged by moisture and pressure. Stora Enso launched a research project to improve the sustainability of corrugated board – in two ways: by using stronger paper and less raw material.

The paper industry has an opportunity to gain market share as the pressure to achieve a green transition increases. Already today, paper and corrugated board often replace plastic and other finite resources as packaging materials. But paper products also have their challenges. Corrugated board is designed to protect the contents of packaging, but if it loses its properties, the contents can be damaged or even destroyed.  

Investing in research that develops the entire value chain 

Stora Enso is one of Sweden's largest forest owners and operates paper mills that produce paper products for corrugated board and packaging. The company is investing in research to develop the entire value chain in the paper mills, including through RISE's Bioeconomy Research Programme.

"The biggest challenge in our industry is to develop a material that produces stronger corrugated boxes at a reasonable cost. If we can reduce the weight of our products and packaging, we can save a lot of material. We want to make the whole chain as efficient and economical as possible," says Atso Laakso, Product Development Project Manager at Stora Enso.

Water is paper's worst enemy  

Corrugated board can be subject to creep. This is when the paper changes shape and size due to the effects of water, moisture and weight over time. These are common stresses for corrugated board, which is often transported over long distances and stacked for long periods in warehouses. But there is potential to overcome creep and produce stronger paper.  

"By modifying the fibre raw material in different ways, we can change things like strength, stiffness and creep. To do this, we are looking at the entire production chain - from the fibre line and spelt preparation to liner and fluting production," says Atso Laakso. 

RISE is a scientifically competent partner

Finding a cure for creep

The Corrugated Packaging project, which is part of the Bioeconomy Research Programme (2021-2024), has focused not only on fibre modification but also on creep, a relatively new area of research in paper production.

"We have gained new knowledge about creep that will help us with further research. With more knowledge about how to increase creep resistance, fibre-based materials can have a much greater competitive advantage over plastics, for example," says Atso Laakso.

New grinding methods can save raw materials

RISE has research teams with experts in different fields who conduct research along the entire value chain. In this project, they were able to combine their knowledge of fibre refining and creep to stop paper creeping. This is a new way of working that has led to new advances.

"In one of our mills, we have been able to apply the new knowledge on fibre refining to produce stronger recycled materials. One mill alone has a turnover of several hundred million euros, so it adds up," says Atso Laakso.  

Another part of the project used vibration tables in one of RISE's research facilities to simulate vibrations. They looked at how this affects corrugated board and how a filled box behaves during transport. The hope is to find ways to make the material more resilient.

"RISE's packaging testing equipment is valuable to us in this project. Without their resources, we would not be able to carry out the same tests at the moment," says Atso Laakso.  

RISE's Astrid Glasenapp was the consortium manager for the research project. She believes the technology has great potential to save raw materials and improve performance.

"We are unique in that we have expertise and equipment for the entire life cycle of corrugated board. It's great that Stora Enso has used our knowledge to improve its processes. If we have managed to develop something that helps them make better use of their material, it is proof that we have created innovation."  

Towards a more sustainable future 

The consortium's research has provided Stora Enso with knowledge that can help the company achieve its goal of increasing production efficiency and sustainability.

"RISE is a scientifically competent partner. They find the root causes and have a scientific understanding of these areas and products. Their studies give us new knowledge, which is good," says Atso Laakso. 

CORRUGATED BOARD - THE WORLD'S LARGEST

Corrugated board is the world's most widely used paper material for transport packaging. Every year, enough corrugated board is produced to cover an area almost the size of Denmark. The importance of paper to commerce is invaluable in ensuring that products and goods arrive intact through sustainable materials. The sheer volume of paper used makes the corrugated industry important to the economy. In Europe alone, it employs over 100,000 people in more than 20 countries. 

WHAT IS THE BIOECONOMY RESEARCH PROGRAMME?  

RISE works with industry to create competitiveness based on sustainability. For example, by exploring how resources can be used more efficiently to create more value. Which in turn generates profitability.

Do you want to conduct research to increase the profitability and sustainability of your industry? Register and read more here.

Caroline Ankerfors

Affärsutvecklare
+46 76 876 71 49 Read more about Caroline
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Astrid Glasenapp

Senior Research Manager
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Pulp and paper Sekundär områdes navigation:
Circular transition
Production and manufacturing
Biobased materials

Processing of organosolv fractions for a functionalisation

Processing of organosolv fractions
Chemistry

The project will develop green processes for bioactive fiber functionalisation containing forest-based resources, which will then be used for high-performance materials. In the future, these materials need to be biodegradable in order to live up to future environmental requirements and the Swedish bio-based economy and society.

Project leader, participant, PhD student
Completed
Bioeconomy Pulp and paper
Region Västernorrland
4 years
9 000 000 SEK
Division: Division Bioeconomy

We will use the semi-continuous organosolv reactor at LTU to pursue fractionation and isolation of the three main lignocellulose components, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.

The next step focuses on the use of a chemo-enzymatic approach for the functionalisation of the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions to achieve specific properties, such as water stability.

The functionalised fibres will be used to produce foamed materials, using various lab and pilot-scale processing concepts developed at MoRe Research. The foams will be analysed and evaluated in terms of performance, with a particular focus on wet stability.

PhD student

+
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
11. Sustainable cities and communities
Project end date: Biobased materials Sekundär områdes navigation:
Circular transition
Pulp and paper

Analyses of deposits

Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces): Analyses of deposits Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):

Deposits, stickies, scales and contaminations in the pulp mills often causes disturbance and loss of efficiency in the processes and affects the quality of the final products.

Purpose/Benefit:

To solve problems with, for example, deposits, stickies and contaminations in processes or to find out where stains or defects in products come from, information on what they consist of is necessary. The chemical composition needs to be characterized and identified to solve problems and improve processes.

We have extensive experience in the analysis of this type of samples, we use several different techniques, depending on the sample type, for the identification of components in the samples. The investigations can often be started immediately, without long planning and preparation.

Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):

We use several different methods that combine organic analysis, inorganic analysis and microscopy analysis to characterize the sample.

Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):

The results are compiled in an analysis report.

Delivery time:

Normally within 1-2 weeks, shorter by agreement.

Area:
Bioeconomy
Biorefinery
Pulp and paper
Contact person (Enter one name per field. Activated personal contact pages will appear automatically):
Anders Reimann
Sofia Regnell Andersson, Forskare
Analysis of deposits
Field measurements: No Price type: 1 Division: Division Bioeconomy Preparation: No preparation required Certification and marking: Not applicable Type of service: Not applicable Instrument: Not applicable General area: Not applicable Order information: Contact our experts by: problemsolving-analysis@ri.se Divison (OLD): Division Bioeconomy Delivery level: Not applicable
anders.reimann@ri.se,sofia.regnell.andersson@ri.se
/en/node/9710
More information:

We are happy to answer your questions, contact us via: problemsolving-analysis@ri.se

Purpose - Header: Purpose Metod - Header: Methods Delivery - Header: Delivery More information - Header: More information
Application of interest
form
Pulp and paper Sekundär områdes navigation:
Metrology
Production and manufacturing
Tjänstetyp tagg: Provning

Bleaching of Cellulose

Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces): Bleaching of Cellulose Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):

By understanding the bleaching process and making the necessary adjustments and optimisations, the pulp and paper industry can produce high-quality products with the desired properties and durability. This not only helps to fulfil customer requirements and expectations, but also reduces environmental impact and promotes sustainable production.

Purpose/Benefit:

The bleaching process can be tailored and optimised to meet the specific requirements of the final paper or board product. Some paper grades require a gentler bleaching sequence to preserve fibre integrity and prevent over-bleaching, while others may require a more intensive treatment to achieve the desired brightness and whiteness level.

A comprehensive understanding of the bleaching process, together with appropriate adjustments and optimisations, enables the production of high-quality paper products with tailored properties and long-term durability. This approach not only fulfils customers' specifications and performance expectations, but also supports environmentally responsible practices and promotes sustainable production methods.

Sampling and Analysis

Systematic sampling and analysis procedures before, during and after the bleaching process are important to evaluate the process efficiency and production quality as well as to compare with the customer's existing production line. A detailed description of the procedure is given below:

  • Initial sampling: Samples are taken from the raw material (usually wood chips or pulp after the cooking phase) before bleaching.
  • Bleaching sequence: The bleaching process is carried out according to predefined steps, adapted to the desired final product characteristics.
  • Sampling between steps: after each individual bleaching step, samples are collected to assess the impact of the specific step on the pulp.
  • Laboratory cooking and bleaching trials: Complementary cooking and bleaching trials are carried out using laboratory-scale equipment to simulate industrial conditions.
  • Comparative Analysis: Samples before and after bleaching are compared with material from the customer's production line to identify similarities, differences and potential areas for improvement. This comparative approach provides a deeper understanding of the material's reaction to bleaching and makes it easier to detect process deviations.

Process Variables and Equipment

The bleaching process is highly customisable and the result is influenced by key variables such as pulp consistency, pressure, temperature and the choice of bleaching chemicals. These parameters can be fine-tuned to suit a range of pulp types and end product specifications:

  • Pulp Consistency
  • Pressure
  • Temperature
  • Bleaching Chemicals: A wide range of commercially used bleaching agents can be used, including chlorine-based compounds, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and ozone.
  • Bleaching Equipment: RISE uses different types of equipment, such as Quantum mixers, autoclaves and conventional water baths, to perform bleaching under controlled and repeatable conditions.
  • Sample Sizes: Experiments can be performed on sample sizes ranging from small-scale laboratory batches (around 0.5 kg) to larger volumes (5-10 kg), enabling simulation of industrial processes and optimisation for full-scale production.

Capability and Scope

RISE is equipped to perform bleaching experiments on a variety of pulp types, including chemical pulps (such as kraft and dissolving grades), pre-hydrolysed kraft pulp for dissolving, mechanical pulps and plant-based fibres. By replicating factory conditions in a laboratory environment, the results generated are directly applicable to industrial operations, ensuring relevance and reliability in process development and optimisation.

Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):

RISE has the capacity to use all commonly used bleaching chemicals in its pilot equipment. These include:

  • Chlorine dioxide
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Peracetic acid
  • Hypochlorite
  • Oxygen
  • Ozone

These chemicals are used under controlled conditions to simulate industrial processes and to evaluate their effects on pulp quality, bleaching efficiency and environmental impact.

Expertise in Bleaching and Pulp Processing

RISE has a long tradition of research and technical support in pulp processes and bleaching. The organisation's multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers has extensive expertise in a wide range of bleaching techniques, including chlorine-based bleaching, oxygen delignification and other advanced oxidative and reductive methods.

This deep knowledge enables RISE to support the development and optimisation of bleaching processes tailored to specific fibre types, product requirements and sustainability goals. Through both experimental work and process evaluation, RISE contributes to promoting efficient, high-performance and environmentally responsible pulp production.

Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):

RISE provides a report containing data in Excel format with associated images and graphs. The report is carefully compiled using standardised methods appropriate to the analyses performed.

If a more detailed report is required, RISE can deliver a comprehensive scientific report based on the results obtained and the background information provided by the client. This extended report is available on request and is subject to quotation.

Delivery time:

The delivery of results is planned based on our order backlog and the scope and complexity of the assignment. We endeavour to ensure that your results are delivered on time, taking into account the specific requirements of your project. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to deliver the best possible service.

Area:
Bioeconomy
Biorefinery
Circular transition
Packaging
Climate adaptation
Climate neutral industry
Pulp and paper
Material transition
Production and manufacturing
Textile
Water
Contact person (Enter one name per field. Activated personal contact pages will appear automatically):
Lars Sundvall, Forskare
Christian Enfjord, Forsknings- och utvecklingsingenjör
Bleaching
Field measurements: No Price type: 1 Division: Division Bioeconomy Preparation: No preparation required Certification and marking: Not applicable Type of service: Testing / Analysis / Evaluation Instrument:
Filters - optical properties
Conductivity
Light sources
Weights
General area:
Photometry and radiometry
Humidity
Length and geometry
Mass / Weight
Temperature
Time and frequency
Pressure and vacuum
Order information: Ordering is done via contact person Divison (OLD): Division Bioeconomy Delivery level: Not applicable
lars.sundvall@ri.se,christian.enfjord@ri.se
/en/node/9710
3. Good health and well-being
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
Purpose - Header: Optimisation of the Bleaching Process in Pulp and Paper Production Metod - Header: Bleaching Capabilities and Expertise
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Pulp and paper Sekundär områdes navigation:
Production and manufacturing
Chemical products and processes
Tjänstetyp tagg: Provning

Seal Strength and Peel Open tests

Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces): Seal Strength test Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):

The laboratory at RISE Packaging Excellence Centre is certified by ISTA and is one of the most well equipped and advanced laboratories in all of Scandinavia for testing packaging and packaging materials. We conduct tests in a controlled environment according to international standards.

Purpose/Benefit:

These test methods evaluate the force required to separate the seal on different types of packaging.

Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):

The test is carried out in a tensile testing machine in a controlled climate.

Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):

Report received after completion of testing.

Delivery time:

The delivery time is about 2-4 weeks depending on the number of samples to be tested.

Area: Not applicable Contact person (Enter one name per field. Activated personal contact pages will appear automatically):
Elin Åkerlund, Forsknings- och utvecklingsingenjör
Contact for packaging testing
Field measurements: No Price type: 1 Division: Division Bioeconomy Preparation: No preparation required Standards:

ASTM F88 / F88M Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials

ISO 11339 Adhesives – T-peel test for flexible-to-flexible bonded assemblies 

SS-EN 868-5 Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices - Part 5: Sealable pouches and reels of porous materials and plastic film construction - Requirements and test methods

Certification and marking: Not applicable Type of service: Testing / Analysis / Evaluation Instrument: Not applicable General area: Not applicable Order information: Contact us at forpackningsprovning@ri.se to discuss more about seal strength tests. Divison (OLD): Division Bioeconomy Delivery level: Non-accredited
forpackningsprovning@ri.se
/en/node/9710
Request for quote
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Pulp and paper Sekundär områdes navigation:
Metrology
Materials and durability
Tjänstetyp tagg: Provning

Reduce, Reuse, Rethink Packaging

R3Pack
Towards novel fiber-based packaging and re-use schemes

The overall goal of this project is to tackle single-use plastic waste in the food packaging by upscaling fiber-based packaging solutions that can substitute plastic, and to lift barriers for the uptake of industrial reuse schemes.

Participant
Completed
Packaging
Other than Sweden
36 months
8,5 M€
Division: Division Bioeconomy
Image: Paul Krochak

Uppdraget

This Horizon Europe project aims to revolutionize the sustainability of packaging, in line with the Green Deal's goals – carbon neutrality by 2050 and economically viable, 100% reusable or recyclable packaging on the EU market by 2030. From 2022 to 2025, the 24 project partners aim is to secure fast and extensive uptake of industrially relevant, cross-sectorial, cost-effective innovative technologies allowing (1) immediate substitution of complex multilayer plastic packaging with high performing fiber-based packaging, and (2) economical, industrial and environmental optimisation of reuse schemes.  These will be demonstrated at large scale and transnationally in 3 EU countries by 2 major retailers, covering the needs of 13 different food product types.

Anna Sjöstedt

Forskare
+46 10 228 45 90 Read more about Anna
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11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
Project end date: Pulp and paper Sekundär områdes navigation:
Circular transition
Pulp and paper
Biobased materials

Torque testing on packagings such as cans, bottles, vials

Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces): Torque testing on packagings such as cans, bottles, vials Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):

The laboratory at RISE Packaging Excellence Centre is certified by ISTA and is one of the most well equipped and advanced laboratories in all of Scandinavia for testing packaging. We carry out tests according to international standards, to ensure the performance of the packaging.

Purpose/Benefit:

Evaluate the torque retention of continuous thread closures on containers such as cans, bottles, vials.

Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):

Testing is performed using a torque tester.

Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):

Report received after completion of testing.

Delivery time:

The delivery time is approximately 2 - 4 weeks depending on the selected number of packages to be tested.

Area: Not applicable Contact person (Enter one name per field. Activated personal contact pages will appear automatically):
Elin Åkerlund, Forsknings- och utvecklingsingenjör
Contact for packaging testing
Field measurements: No Price type: 1 Division: Division Bioeconomy Preparation: No preparation required Standards:

ASTM D2063-2063M Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Torque Retention for Packages with Continuous Thread Closures Using Non-Automated (Manual) Torque Testing Equipment

Certification and marking: Not applicable Type of service: Testing / Analysis / Evaluation Instrument: Not applicable General area: Not applicable Order information: Contact us at forpackningsprovning@ri.se to discuss more about torque testing. Delivery level: Non-accredited
forpackningsprovning@ri.se
/en/node/9710
Application of interest
form
Pulp and paper Sekundär områdes navigation:
Metrology
Food
Tjänstetyp tagg: Provning