New EU project FIBSUN: Benefits for industry and ecosystems through novel biobased value chains

A need for novel biomass sources 

Fibsun's approach involves advancing the use of better-known materials like hemp and wood fibres, but also developing use of novel materials like cardoon, cattail (bulrush) and common reed. The biomass types represent those improving the conditions of arid soils or remediating contaminated soils and degraded peat soils. 

Fibsun will demonstrate to landowners, industry and societies that alternatives exist, and that reducing reliance on fossil raw materials and uptake of environmentally conscious practices are the result of sustainable decisions in the value chains”, states the project coordinator Kristiina Lång from Luke. 

Industrial scale pilots 

Fibsun aims to optimise environmental impact and resource utilization in the processing methods of the feedstocks by piloting them in industrial scale pilots. 

Fibsun’s trials focused on hemp advance the use of hemp fines waste fraction in insulation products and a microfibrillated cellulose coating technique in composite production. Wood fibres from contaminated sites are experimented in the production of bioconcrete. Cardoon, a solution for deserted soils, is experimented as a raw material in textile yarn. Cattail and common reed, crops capable of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses from degraded peat soils, will be used in insulation boards. 

In addition, Fibsun will assess the market potential and develop business models in order to contribute to the transformation of the rural bioeconomy and industrial competitiveness.  

Fibsun aims to increase awareness regarding the impact of natural resource use on ecosystem services. Life cycle analyses will illustrate the carbon footprint of the new products, and consumers will have their say on their willingness to pay for the novel products”, Lång concludes.