In collaboration with eleven partners from six countries, Karlstad University is participating in a new EU project that was recently granted funding as part of the programme Circular Bio-based Europe. The project, WoodVALOR, focuses on the transformation of contaminated wood into high-performance paints, coatings and biochar using sustainable methods.
– This is an innovative bioeconomy project with partners from the UK, Ireland, Finland, France, Belgium and Sweden, says Ali Mohammadi, sub-project leader and associate professor in environmental and energy systems. By developing and optimising advanced purification and fractionation processes, we want to maximise resource efficiency by reusing 100 per cent of the wood.
System analysis
Karlstad University is responsible for quantifying sustainability indicators from a holistic perspective and for determining the most sustainable approach for the production of biochemicals such as acrylic acid, fatty acids and bio-based binders from wood fractions. To achieve this, all data generated from the upstream and downstream processes of the other project participants will be analysed. Karlstad University will also apply advanced chemical pulp manufacturing methods to purify and enable reuse of materials.
The project includes an evaluation of indicators from three sustainability perspectives – environmental, economic and social aspects.
Project starts in May
– The project will officially launch in May with a kickoff meeting in the UK, says Ali Mohammadi. The first step for Karlstad University will be to recruit a doctoral student for the project.
Funded by the CBE JU Programme
WoodVALOR has been granted EUR 3.5 million in funding from the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking Programme (CBE JU). CBE JU is a EUR 2 billion partnership between the EU and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) that funds projects to promote competitive circular bio-based industries in Europe. CBE JU operates under the rules of Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme, during the period 2021–2031.
