Business from technology

Functional fibre products

Research content

The research focuses on development of new functional fibre-based products and methods of producing these. The functionalities can be added to fibre matrices by chemical or biochemical modification of fibres, by coating techniques, or by printing. Another aim of the research is in the use of biomaterials and biopolymers in fibre-based products to enhance the performance of existing products and to create totally new and/or totally biodegradable products for the forest, packaging, and printing industries.

Applications

Application fields include intelligent paper or packaging products like bioactive papers and printed indicators. Bioactive papers can be utilized in simple applications of diagnostics, personal health care, or even in detection of the origin of fibre-based materials. Another application field is paper and packaging materials that are completely made of renewable materials, or have enhanced properties based on bio-based materials.

Future prospects

The need for renewable materials in packaging applications is a driver in packaging development worldwide. Intelligent packaging and media applications which give new value to consumers are also under continuous R&D work worldwide. By combining these two fields, we can offer possibilities for new types of solutions in which sustainability and intelligent features can converge.

Resources

There are currently 35 persons involved directly in research in this field, and the resources are increasing. Facilities for developing the systems in laboratory and semi-pilot scale are available, including various printing and coating machines.