In Finland, VTT, LUT University, and companies have opened a pilot plant in Espoo, Finland, to process captured carbon dioxide into compounds that can replace fossil raw materials in plastic products and chemicals. The pilot plant, built in sea containers, started operations in August. Renewable energy, the hydrogen economy and bio-based carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sectors open significant opportunities for Finland to create new sustainable industrial activity.
Finland wants to utilize bio-based carbon capture as one way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the Government Program aims to significantly increase the use of technological carbon sinks. The Forest CUMP research project of VTT and LUT University has investigated how bio-based carbon dioxide from, for example, the forest industry and waste incineration can be captured and converted into high-value products such as polypropylene and polyethylene. The promising results will now be put into practice as VTT and its partners open a pilot plant built in sea containers in the Bioruukki pilot center in Espoo, Finland.