Montinutra is granted 7M€ to build its first-of-a-kind forest biorefinery
Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.
Montinutra has been granted a Circular Economy Investment Subsidy by Business Finland to build a first-of-a-kind plant to upcycle forest industry side streams.
Press release: "7 M€ funding decision from Business Finland for a plant implementation", 18/01/2023.
Figure 1. Plant 3D draft / Feasibility study 2022 (taken from the press release)
The company develop new ingredients for future bioeconomy from hemicellulose and lignin. Its first ingredients will be launched under the brand Boreal Bioproducts® in personal care consumer products early 2023. This is possible with the production from our current pilot plant in Turku.
Montinutra’s business model focuses on using side streams such as sawdust, wood processing residues or bark as feedstock. The production process is based on pressurized hot water extraction without the use of chemical solvents. This enables robust and cost-effective production of natural products with minimal environmental burden. As the products will replace fossil-based ingredients, significant CO2 emissions are avoided.
Key data of the project
Location: Metsä Fibre’s Vilppula sawmill site.
Expected commissioning date: 2025.
Next steps: additional fundraising, plant pre-engineering, and preparations for the permitting processes.
Total investment: 20 M€.
Employment effect: 35 direct jobs.
