The forest industry has been criticized for its low research investment and its focus on short-term product development. The companies involved in the Emission Free Pulping (EFP) program are committed to long-term research, bringing together the best actors and demanding results that are shared among the participants. The research program aims to challenge traditional chemical pulping processes, reduce emissions, especially carbon dioxide, and create more products from the wood being processed.
The key approach of the program is to create a positive and open atmosphere among participants while ensuring that the research is also goal-oriented. From the perspective of the researchers, the program is a very significant and inspiring step towards a more sustainable and low-emission future in collaboration with companies.
The Emission Free Pulping research program aims to develop an emission-free chemical pulping process for wood on an industrial scale. The program can be seen as a radical breakthrough in the renewal of a traditional industry. The goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from chemical pulp production and increase the yield of products from wood raw material from the current 50 percent to approximately 70 percent. The industrially significant solutions developed in the program will benefit the entire forest industry.
If the goals are achieved, the program will increase the competitiveness of the forest industry and reduce its environmental impacts. The challenge set is significant and requires long-term cooperation between industry and research. A total of seven companies and 10 research organizations from Finland, Sweden and Chile are involved in the project.
Companies play a key role in steering the programme. Close collaboration is essential, as it combines the practical needs of industry with the latest knowledge and innovations from research. This ensures that all companies and researchers involved benefit from the project results and can apply them in their own operations. An open approach promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing, as well as feedback, which is essential for sustainable development and innovation.
In summary, the Emission Free Pulping research program is a significant step towards a more sustainable forest industry. It combines the strengths of industry and research, develops new innovations in a targeted manner, and shares the results openly among all participants. This open collaboration is key to meeting the growing challenges and opportunities in the forest industry. The program is also a great example of the positivity, perseverance, and courage of the forest industry.
Alina Ruonala-Lindgren
coordinator
Moutain Bike
