Imagine turning the leftover bark from logging into a high-tech glue. Instead of using petroleum-based chemicals that can be harmful, this process extracts natural sticky compounds and tiny wood fibers. It's like upgrading a waste product into a protective shield for food packaging or a strong bond for furniture.
Most industrial adhesives and coatings rely on fossil fuels and harmful chemicals, creating health risks and environmental pollution. Companies need high-performance, non-toxic alternatives that don't compromise on strength or durability.
A system for extracting polyphenols and cellulose nanofibrils from bark to create 4 bio-based adhesive formulations and functional barrier coatings.
If you are a panel manufacturer dealing with toxic emissions from glues — this project developed 4 different adhesive formulations for plywood, particleboard, and MDF that are ≥ 95% bio-based. This allows you to produce safer, sustainable boards without losing performance.
If you are a packaging producer dealing with plastic-based coatings — this project developed barrier coatings using cellulose nanofibrils from bark. This creates a sustainable alternative for food packaging paper that meets industry standards.
If you are a mill dealing with large volumes of bark waste — this project developed a patented alkaline extraction process to turn that side stream into high-value polyphenols. This transforms a waste disposal cost into a new revenue stream of bio-chemicals.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not provided, but the project uses digital technologies and system dynamics modelling to evaluate market opportunities and socio-economic viability.
The project focuses on industrial softwood bark as a side stream and validates the alkaline fractionation process for eventual industrial replication.
The project utilizes a patented alkaline process for the extraction of tannins and polyphenolic compounds from softwood bark.
Yes, the project applies Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles and validates the end products for recyclability and biodegradability.
Based on available project data, the timeline for integration is not specified, but the project runs from 2023 to 2027 to develop and validate these solutions.
The consortium is well-balanced for commercialization, featuring a 33% industry ratio with 4 industrial partners and 1 SME. With 6 research centers and 1 university across 8 countries, the project combines deep academic knowledge in chemistry with the practical needs of the furniture, construction, and packaging sectors.
Contact TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY in Finland
Contact us to connect with the SuperBark consortium for licensing the patented alkaline extraction process.
