Ecohelix has developed a technology which transforms widely available, sustainable, pulp industry side stream material into high- performance polymers. Membrane filtration and biotechnology are applied, using proven large-scale processing techniques, to isolate and modify wood biorefinery derived hemicellulose and low molecular weight lignin. The technology has been verified both for production and as an end product (to TRL6).
The end product can replace petroleum-based products and foodcrop based products with a highly sustainable, biodegradable, high performance product which reduces CO2 emissions and adds value to the pulp industry. Ecohelix can tap into a large and stable availability of raw material that pulping processes create - and at the same time offer processing benefits for the mills.
A wide range of potential applications have been identified in the cosmetics, pulp and paper chemicals, packaging and construction industries. For certain applications, such as paper board chemicals and in cosmetics, tests demonstrate a significantly superior performance. The polymers can thus replace petroleum based and harmful substances in several customer products and result in substantial improvements in their manufacturing process. Ecohelix’s value chain involves close partnerships with both pulp mills and speciality chemicals producers.
The objectives of this project are to:
1. reach a strong understanding of the economic potential for the Ecohelix polymer
2. to define the optimal production processes and related costs
3. to refine the technical specifications for the first polymer products
3. form a clear vision of the business case as it relates to the key partnership relationships
Conclusions of the action: The performed work during the feasibility study gave us more insight on the technical and economical possibilities that we have created for our company and for the polymers that we will produce. We were able to deepen the cooperation with both the raw material producers as well as our customers. The coaching sessions with the EU appointed coach enabled us to clarify our chosen strategy and verify that the strategy fits the available business models on this value chain. The road to market continues with the support form of a granted EU financed project (Horizon 2020, BBI-JU) VEHICLE (grant agreement no 837866). The project will take our company through demo production towards establishing production of our polymers on the marketplace.
