Fornum and Metsä to create ExpandFibre R&D program

In Finland, Fortum and Metsä Group join forces with Business Finland to create R&D program with pulp fiber from renewable and sustainable sources as its node, Metsä said in a statement. The 4-year joint R&D program, called ExpandFibre, aims to develop ground-breaking technologies and smart business concepts that are required to convert straw and wood pulp fiber into novel bioproducts, such as textile fibres. The R&D program has been granted Euro 20 million from Business Finland.

ExpandFibre will be part of a global innovation ecosystem. The ExpandFibre partners Fortum and Metsä Group want to encourage members of the ecosystem to significantly accelerate their efforts within the circular bioeconomy. Members of the ecosystem can apply for financing from Business Finland or from the EU.