Natural fibres as a substitute to plastic

FIBER-X FINLAND TAKES ON CLIMATE CHANGE BY DEVELOPING AND PRODUCING GLOBALLY SCALABLE PLASTIC SUBSTITUTES AND BIO-PRODUCTION CONCEPTS USING AGRICULTURAL FIBRES.

Agricultural fibres generally refer to fibres sourced from agriculture, such as straw, corn stalks and hemp. For example, fibre made from straw may be the main raw material in products that are today made of plastic.

– We are helping the planet while generating significant zero-emission business, says CEO Mikko Ruuska.

Fiber-X Finland focuses on serving the needs of the bio-industry by providing a framework for product testing. The company also offers training for businesses and research opportunities for universities at its pilot and training centre in Lemi.

– In pilot studies, we position ourselves in the middle between laboratory-scale and commercial-scale applications: we help our customers produce bolts of material for their own product development projects at a reasonable cost.

Our customers are working on technologies such as bio-based packaging, barriers capable of stopping molecules and new production processes, he adds.

The company has a network of more than 30 experts, including specialists in demanding research and development projects.

– We have a proven track record in demanding product development and have been involved in developing our customers’ business in more than a hundred projects since 1999.

In the near future, Fiber-X will expand its operations to Lappeenranta, where a bio-production plant based on the use of willow wood will be located. Willow will be used to manufacture antiviral chemicals, biocomposites and growing mediums.

In addition, the company is planning a bio-production plant concept in North Ostrobothnia, which would enable the zero-emission production of biocarbon and viscose fibre using hemp.

– We will begin commercialising the new products globally together with our partners.

From the Greenreality Network, Fiber-X is looking forward to opportunities for collaboration with local businesses.

– We are interested in all large and ambitious joint projects. The ones that will truly put Lappeenranta on the map in green action.