VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has launched the “Energy First” initiative to revolutionize manufacturing technologies for fiber-based products. This initiative aims to address the significant challenges of energy and resource consumption in the forestry and textile industries.
The primary goal is to develop low-carbon, water-efficient technologies that can reduce water consumption by up to 90% and overall energy consumption by more than half. The initiative is driven by the increasing demand for sustainable, high-quality fiber-based packaging solutions, which is projected to grow 5-10% annually due to the rise of global e-commerce. VTT’s research focuses on creating scalable, recyclable packaging that significantly reduces the carbon footprint. The initiative includes several projects with a budget of around 20 million euros over the next four years and will establish an innovative open-access pilot line in Jyväskylä, Finland.
VTT’s collaborative research involves over 50 industrial partners and aims to develop commercially viable alternatives for cardboard packaging, hygiene products, and non-woven fabrics. The initiative also seeks to shift from traditional plastic-containing products to cellulose-based products, particularly in non-wovens like napkins and wipes.
The forest industry faces challenges such as rising energy costs and fiberwood scarcity. The Energy First initiative aims to overcome these by developing manufacturing processes with minimal water and energy usage. Preliminary estimates suggest the new process could reduce water consumption by up to 90% and energy consumption by up to 50%. The products manufactured will be compatible with existing recycling methods, making them sustainable alternatives to reusable packaging.
VTT’s Energy First initiative is a pivotal step towards sustainable, energy-efficient manufacturing technologies for fiber-based products, with significant potential to reduce environmental impact and drive innovation in the industry.
For more information visit https://cris.vtt.fi/en/
