23.10.2023

Dust will become a raw material in Åbo Akademi University’s new project

Is there any value in dust from the wood processing industry? Yes, if it can be turned into a new raw material. A project at Åbo Akademi University in collaboration with University of Helsinki and University of Turku will work to see what the possibilities are.

The project Dust to Value (D2V) – Circular bio-based residues involves several actors in the mechanical wood processing and chemical industry who will jointly investigate the potential of wood fibres and the wastes from their processing as a substitute for fossil raw materials in the chemical industry. The project partners will jointly produce information on sustainable methods, processes, and materials demanded by the industry and society and the project is expected to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals on traceability of raw materials and products and life cycle and environmental performance of supply chains.

From Dust to Value (D2V) – Circular bio-based residues is led by Chunlin Xu, Professor of Renewable Materials Chemistry at the Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology at Åbo Akademi University. The project will collaborate with Mirka’s SHAPE programme and Kiilto’s SUPER Healthy Buildings project. The project D2V is in line with EU and national circular bioeconomy initiatives and supports the green transition through concrete targets.

The results are expected to have a significant impact on the international competitiveness of the domestic industry and are an important part of the national project to develop a national strategy for sustainable use of wood-based waste streams.

The project runs until the end of August 2026 and is funded by Business Finland with just over 1 million euros.
In addition to Åbo Akademi University, the project consortium includes University of Helsinki, University of Turku, Mirka Oy, Woodly Oy, Kiilto Oy, Tonester Oy Ltd, GVK Coating Technology Oy, Cajo Technologies Oy, Montinutra Oy, and Fiberwood Oy.