2024-05-23

Q: Can you describe the origin of Nordic Bioproducts Group and its connection to Aalto University?

The origin traces back to 2006 when Professor Olli Dahl (PhD), a distinguished researcher at Aalto University's School of Chemical Engineering, discovered a promising innovation involving the use of paper pulp as an alternative to fossil-based raw materials across a range of high-value applications.

For the first time, an approach had been unlocked to use the cellulose-rich wood pulp to produce microcrystalline cellulose and cellulose derivatives, which could be used for many purposes. Remarkably, the work had also hit on a sustainable solution in terms of chemicals, energy use, and process efficiency. After extensive testing and numerous process refinements, an optimal formula was found, giving birth to the breakthrough that is now called AaltoCell^TM technology.

The innovation journey progressed with a patent being granted for AaltoCell in 2011. Subsequently, in 2017, in his doctoral dissertation, Kari Vanhatalo (now NBG’s CTO) further refined the AaltoCell^TM process.

Nordic Bioproducts Group Oy (Ltd) was established in 2019 by Professor Dahl and Olli Kähkönen (now NBG’s CEO), and today, the company consists of a multidisciplinary team of 45 professionals with diverse backgrounds in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Material Sciences, Synthetic Biology, Business & Innovation Development, and Commercialization.

Q: How does Nordic Bioproducts Group foster innovation within the biomaterials sector, and what motivated the founding team to specialize in microcrystalline and other cellulose products?

The choice to specialize in microcrystalline cellulose and other cellulose derivatives is aligned with global trends toward sustainable materials. Cellulosic materials, like MCC, enhance the properties and performance of products across various industries and foster environmental sustainability by replacing non-sustainable substances in applications like bioplastics, concrete, paints, textiles, and more. By utilizing renewable sources such as wood pulp, Nordic Bioproduct Group supports the transition away from fossil-based inputs. This sustainable approach aligns with circular economy principles and reduces the environmental footprint of single-use products.

Nordic Bioproducts Group’s approach to fostering innovation within the biomaterials sector is driven by a core motivation to help companies solve the big challenges that they are facing. Through its Bio Innovation Garage (BIG), Nordic Bioproducts Group can help accelerate innovation and develop sustainable solutions that leverage AaltoCell^TM technology, MCC, cellulose, and its derivatives. Its team of experts guides companies through research, lab studies, feasibility testing, prototyping, and beyond. It offers a secure environment for collaboration and helps companies embark on their sustainable journey and stay ahead in the evolving biomaterial and bio-product landscape.

Q: What properties of your bioplastics make them suitable for single-use products like coffee capsules?

While Nordic Bioproducts Group does not directly produce bioplastics, it does enter into joint development projects, like the partnership with PTT MCC, to create next-generation bioplastics that leverage its biomaterial expertise and integrate its advanced cellulosic materials, such as its sustainable activated cellulose fibers. The cellulose can serve as a key component in the manufacturing process of bioplastics, effectively replacing petroleum-derived substances.

When it comes to single-use plastics, they more often end up in nature than in recycling centers, so ensuring their biodegradability and compostability is key to making the whole industry more environmentally friendly.

Q: How does Nordic Bioproducts Group’s cellulosic fibers enhance the bioplastics produced by PTT MCC and how does your work with PTT MCC integrate with other collaborations, such as that with Marubeni?

The collaboration between Nordic Bioproducts Group and PTT MCC represents a strategic alliance aimed at advancing innovation in the bioplastics industry. The aim is to achieve a new bioplastic material that is not only home-compostable and biodegradable but now can achieve advanced performance that enables it to be used across an entirely new range of products and applications.

Nordic Bioproducts Group's collaboration with PTT MCC extends beyond material enhancement. It represents a shared commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and market competitiveness within the bioplastics sector. This collaboration is part of Nordic Bioproduct's broader strategy to collaborate with industry leaders such as PTT MCC and Marubeni Corporation in Japan, leveraging synergies to address complex challenges and foster technological advancements.

Q: How does AaltoCell^TM technology contribute to the development of new bioplastic grades?

As the bioplastics industry seeks sustainable and innovative solutions, here are four areas in which Nordic Bioproducts’ pioneering AaltoCell^TM technology is at the forefront.

Innovative raw material: AaltoCell^TM efficiently utilizes cellulose-rich wood pulp to produce high-quality microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and cellulose derivatives such as activated cellulose fibers. These materials serve as essential components in developing new bioplastic grades.

Performance enhancement: The incorporation of AaltoCell^TM-derived cellulose can potentially enhance bioplastics' mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. This can enable bioplastics that offer advanced performance while remaining biodegradable and compostable.

Tailored formulations: AaltoCell^TM allows for the customization of cellulose-based formulations to meet specific requirements for various applications. This flexibility in formulation development enables manufacturers to create bioplastics with desired properties, functionality, and end-of-life characteristics.

Sustainable innovation: By leveraging cellulosic materials born from AaltoCell^TM technology, it contributes to sustainable innovation within the bioplastics sector. The focus on renewable raw materials, biodegradability, and compostability addresses environmental concerns associated with traditional plastics, paving the way for greener alternatives.