BIOINNOVATION STRATEGIC AGENDA 1
- 4 - 4.2 Benefit from residual streams Raw mater
ials from forestry and agriculture form the foundation of many large industries and companies today. In many cases, these actors have invested multibillion amounts in facilities, and in production systems. There is great potential here for exploiting lateral and residual streams from the existing processing of biobased raw materials. However, this can only happen when the prerequisite conditions in the market, and in society are in place. In terms of investment costs and operating costs, there are benefits for new bio-based processes and products in integration with existing production infrastructure, and existing processes. The residual streams need not to be generated internally, or originate in on-site production. Instead, residual streams from several production plants or recycled product streams, can be processed in a larger plant thereby offering economies of scale. This is in combination with cost-effective logistics solutions. It is about the right raw material at the right price, but also the right combination of processes and products for the cost-effective use of all parts of the raw material. It is also a question of clearly identifying real market needs. 4.3 Design creates better conditions An important part of a circular economy is resource-efficiency through the recycling of materials. Materials used in products must be recyclable as raw material, in the same value chain or in other chains. Smart design, efficient recycling processes and functioning circular business models and social models, are needed for this to happen. According to a study from the Swedish Recycling Industries’ Association, Sweden loses over 40 billion Swedish Kronor annually due to materials being recycled incorrectly.21 In order for materials and products to be recycled for a high value, awareness regarding the design of materials, material systems and products is essential. Products and materials cannot simply be designed on the basis of customer preferences and functional requirements, but also using the knowledge of new areas of utility. This is in terms of constituent components and methods of joining and separating materials, as well as opportunities for classic material recycling. In many areas, there are currently no bio-based alternatives that can replace existing material solutions completely. Yet it is frequently possible to replace some parts by combining bio-based materials with other materials. This could be in systems where the various materials complement each other with their different functions, but also in components where they create a joint function together. With the right material in the right place, many developmental needs can be addressed, such as fire resistance, stability, moisture, strength and durability, for example. In addition, the amount of bio-based materials both in existing and in new applications can increase, whilst at the same time being more efficient in terms of climate and circularity. The design of future bio-based materials and products will also require additives and chemicals for surface treatment, for adhesion or other functionalisation. At the present time, the availability of such high-quality bio-based chemicals, formulations and materials is limited, which constitutes an obstacle to the development of fully bio-based products. Photo: Stora Enso 17