Optimized and efficient technologies for conversion of sustainable raw materials into innovative and functionalized fibre-based products are a central research area at RISE PFI

Forest-based ligno-cellulosic biopolymers are expected to play a major role in the transition from fossil-based industries and products towards a resource-efficient and sustainable bio-economy. Effective and optimized conversion technologies are a pre-requisite to fully utilize the potential of ligno-cellulosic fibres.

RISE PFI has for many years built up extensive experience and competence within fibre-process interactions in mechanical pulping, and has a long history as a preferred research partner for the pulping industry. Development and implementation of novel and cost-efficient fibre conversion technologies has contributed to maintaining and strengthening the competitiveness of our industrial partners.

As the market for traditional fibre applications – such as printing papers – has been rapidly changing, novel perspectives evolve, including functionalized packaging and absorption materials, nanofiber production, fibre-based composites and bio-refinery applications. In close cooperation with actors along the entire forest-based value-chain, RISE PFI has successfully established a number of research projects targeting innovative bio-fibre processing and functionalization.

RISE PFI has in-depth experience of biorefinery technologies applying both thermochemical, chemical and biochemical conversion routes

Our R&D activities within biorefining and bioenergy include energy densification of biomass, biomass conversion into solid and liquid biofuels, co-production of fibre materials and bio-chemicals, as well as new products derived from hemicelluloses, lignin and pyrolysis liquids.

Within thermochemical conversion, one research topic at RISE PFI is pyrolysis oil production using fast pyrolysis technologies. We have established a unique catalytic fast pyrolysis process development unit. Another research topic is production of biocarbon with tailored properties for different applications, including use as reductant for the metal industries, as soil improver and as activated biocarbon for filter and cleaning purposes.

As to chemical or biochemical conversion, RISE PFI has focus on developing new pretreatment technologies for efficient separation of hemicelluloses and lignin, as well as their conversion into high value-added products.

A unique pretreatment reactor system has been established at RISE PFI. This reactor system allows testing of solvent-based extraction of wood polymers at high temperatures for short retention times.

RISE PFI coordinates “NorBioLab: Norwegian Biorefinery Laboratory”, a national research infrastructure for Bioenergy and Biorefinery Research in Norway.

Biopolymers and biocomposites from land- and marine-based biomass is a strategic research field at RISE PFI

Key aspects in this respect are the sustainable utilization of land- and marine-based biomass and industrial side streams that will form the basis for novel and innovative products, of industrial and societal relevance.

RISE PFI is constantly establishing new projects with Norwegian and international industry within construction, infrastructure, automotive, food and beverage packaging, health applications and additive manufacturing (3D printing). Several initiatives related to biopolymers, biocomposites and 3D (bio)printing have been established, and in close cooperation with R&D and industrial partners. Some initiatives include: i) biopolymers for the food and biomedical sector, ii) development of novel and sustainable biocomposite materials, iii) polymeric inks for 3D printing of structural products and iv) biobased materials as replacement of fossil-based plastics. These areas are important in order to advance a sustainable development within the current bio- and circular economy.