Biofore Magazine 1 2015 ENG

“Rather than relying on conventional virgin cellulose from trees, the paper mill of the future will draw from a wider pool of streams, including agricultural by-products – such as tomato plant stems. We are also looking into the use of annual plants like miscanthus and the use of grass from nature conservation areas in the production of food packaging.”

Spyros Bousios

Valuable feedstock His vision revolves around the ‘Multiple-Input Multiple-Output’ mill. Behind this concept lies a simple rationale: greater flexibility in the raw materials going in; greater diversity in the products coming out. “Rather than relying on conven- tional virgin cellulose from trees, the paper mill of the future will draw from a wider pool of streams, including agricultural by-products – such as tomato plant stems. We are also looking into the use of annual plants like miscanthus and the use of grass fromnature conservation areas in the production of food packaging.” At the mill’s ‘exit’ end, Bousios sees potential for extracting more profit from streams that currently consume money in disposal costs. Everything ‘non-paper’ that leaves the mill should not be written off as ‘waste’. Instead it should be treated as potentially valu-

able feedstock. Rejects, sludge and process waters contain valuable cellu- lose fibre and other organic and inor- ganic components that are severely underused. “We have been exploring the poten- tial for extracting high-value applica- tions such as bioplastics, green chemi- cals and composite materials.” Smarter grades Another reason to get excited about paper’s future is the new function- ality being added to paper products through innovative materials and tech- nologies, notes Bousios. “For instance active paper-based food packaging can protect food fromdegradation.” Bousios hopes his research will serve as an eye-opener showing the industry how it can secure a long-term future by embracing out-of-the-box ideas that defy established business models.

“The paper industry has vast experi- ence operating in a bio-based context, and this experience will prove critical in the transition from fossil fuels to a bio-based economy. Paper is set to become a hub connecting many indus- tries,” concludes Bousios. Many of Bousios’ predictions are already becoming reality at UPM. Though its roots are still planted firmly in the paper industry, the company is now also carving out a niche as bio-economy pioneer, with biofuels, biocomposites and other high-value applications complementing its tradi- tional portfolio. Paradigm challenger Like Bousios, Janne Varvemaa , Portfolio Director for Paper R&D at UPM, believes in challenging past paradigms. Leading a 100-strong team in Lappeenranta, he works closely with colleagues in Augsburg, Germany >>

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