Södra inaugurates first pilot machine for manufacturing products from its bio-composite DuraPulp. With DuraPulp, Södra is able to offer a viable alternative to fossil-fuel based products, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

The inauguration represents a first step towards industrial-scale production of DuraPulp and bespoke products. Both the material and its products are very different to those made from traditional cellulose recipes and require a high level of technical expertise in the manufacturing process and technical support for customers, which Södra will provide. The foundations for a facility that can be used for technical presentations are currently being laid.

DuraPulp is a mix of cellulose and a corn-based polymer called polylactic acid (PLA). It is completely new to the market.

Södra has been working on the development of sustainable new materials to replace fossil-fuel products for some time. While DuraPulp's basic components are simple, the process of forming the actual material is considerably more complex. Using the right technique, the polymer melts and bonds with the cellulose, while also reinforcing the cellulose fibres.

 

lesprom.com

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