This is Pro2BE

Processes and Products for a circular BioEconomy 

Pro2BE is the research environment at Karlstad University that focuses on the transformation of the present economic/technical culture which is based on consumption of non-renewable resources to a bioeconomy based on circularity of environment-friendly renewable resources and on the development of the forest-industry. The research encompasses:

  • Fundamental materials research applied to products and processes of the forest-, and biomaterials-based industry

  • Process technology research and understanding for development and innovation

  • Systems analysis to move towards sustainable utilisation of resources (social, economic, materials and energy) in process applications and in the manufacture of products, from a life-cycle perspective.

The research covers, for instance, topics on pellet processing, active barrier packaging technology, packaging solutions for prevention of food spoilage, fundamental interaction in molecular separation processes, purification and side-stream utilization, package printing technology, new processes for cellulose derivatives for textile raw materials and other novel products, and dewatering and drying optimization in papermaking processes.

Funding

Pro2BE has received funding from the Swedish Agency for Growth (Tillväxtverket) to build a research environment for circular forest-based bioeconomy.

Host department

Pro2BE is hosted at the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences with the disciplins:
 - Building and Construction Engineering
 - Environmental and Energy Systems
 - Chemistry
 - Chemical Engineering

Vision

Pro2BE has the scientific knowledge needed to aid and educate for a transformation to a circular economy starting in a forest based bioeconomy.

Long term goals

  • Pro2BE harbours strong research groups devoted to fundamental and applied research for industrial development and societal transformation.

  • Pro2BE has a direct and positive impact on sustainability on a regional, national and international level.

  • Pro2BE is a balanced research and education environment, where researchers take part in and inspire educational activities.

Milestones 2017-2020

Pro2BE has received funding from the Swedish Agency for Growth (Tillväxtverket) to build a research environment for circular forest-based bioeconomy, in close cooperation with the region's small and medium-sized enterprises:

  • Develop new and existing test bed environments in collaboration with small and medium-sized companies.

  • Develop process steps, system design and materials in collaboration with small and medium-sized companies.

  • Increase the university's capacity to research together with small and medium-sized companies and towards a nationally leading research environment in forest-based bioeconomics.

  • Increase the number of small and medium-sized enterprises active in research activities and projects.

Values

Our collaborative work sustains a creative and open research environment, well balanced in gender, which nurtures, utilises and develops competence. Pro2BE performs applied and fundamental research of the highest quality, having relevance to the industry and the wider society, to aid the development towards a bioeconomy Sweden.