Background
The new regulations cause a high demand for environmentally friendly solutions. New solutions are needed for soundproofing, thermal insulation, protective packaging and filtering in buildings, industry and transportation.
Goals
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT), Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) and building and packing industry companies develop together bio-based, lightweight and recyclable materials to new applications. The project pursues networking, internationalisation of Finnish companies and creation of new business opportunities based on circular economy. The two-year project is financed by Business Finland. Business Finland creates new growth by helping companies to expand their businesses internationally.
The purpose of the BeLight project is to develop biobased and possibly also biodegradable solutions to lightweight foamy structures at VTT. The project concentrates on material and process development as well as application development. Hence, we promote circular economy in building and packaging industry.
Approaches
In the BeLight project there are two alternative approaches to substitute foamy structures in packages and construction materials that are at present made of fossil raw materials. With foam forming technology we develop porous cellulose fibre-based foams, and with extrusion and particle foaming technology we advance biobased polymer foams.
The project outcomes include prototypes and demos to ensure that the new solutions function in real conditions. Furthermore, one aim is to understand how the new materials replacing for example styrofoam and bubble wrap fit in the present and future recycling processes.
TAMK focuses on working-life based learning. TAMK’s mission is to be an expert in circular and bioeconomy. TAMK has modern laboratories and learning environments which are used together with the companies.
Cooperation
The cooperation with European and American universities intensifies the research and facilitates networking of the participating companies.
The BeLight project companies are Artekno Oy, Finnfoam Oy, Brightplus Oy, Tikkurila Oyj, NMC Cellfoam Oy, Fiberwood Oy, Paptic Oy, Cre4tive Oy, Eagle Filters Oy, Aisti Corporation Oy, EarthPac Oy, Vaisala Oyj and Sulapac Oy.
Read an article about the project at Tampere University community’s website: https://www.tuni.fi/fi/ajankohtaista/belight-project-develops-biobased-lightweight-and-recyclable-applications-packaging