New co-innovation project COCOBIN develops competitive biobased coatings, binders and adhesives for packaging and other applications
Today, synthetic fossil-based polymers are widely used in various packaging and adhesive applications. The COCOBIN project aims to reduce the carbon footprint of dispersion coatings, adhesives and binders, and increase their recyclability and minimize waste by developing biobased multicomponent materials. COCOBIN will explore and pilot the use of various natural waxes and polyesters together with cellulose and hemicellulose materials for coatings and adhesives in fiber-packaging, textiles and abrasive materials. The project focuses on the performance and properties of biobased dispersion coatings and adhesives, as well as challenges related to the availability and cost of raw materials, which still limit the large-scale use of biobased materials. Additionally, the project examines the lifecycle and environmental impacts of new materials.
The project's scientific director, Professor Henrikki Liimatainen, states: "An important goal of the project is to combine various biomaterials, such as waxes and bio-based extracts, which are based on widely available raw materials, with cellulose and hemicellulose materials, so that the developed formulations are technically viable, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective."
The industry partners within COCOBIN include KCL, Metsä Board, Mirka, UPM-Kymmene, Valmet, Kemira, CH-Polymers, and CH-Bioforce. These partners are developing industrial processes and applications for new biobased materials in collaboration with the University of Oulu, Tampere University, the University of Eastern Finland, LUT University, VTT Technical Research Centre, the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), and Åbo Akademi University. The companies represent the entire value chain, from biobased raw material suppliers to manufacturers of packaging paper and board, as well as producers of chemicals, polymer dispersions, binders, adhesives, and abrasive products, along with suppliers of process technology and machinery.
"The entire industrial value chain must be involved in promoting the transition to biobased and energy-efficient products and processes, and as a supplier of equipment and automation, Valmet plays a significant role in advancing this development through the COCOBIN project," states the steering group chairman and Development Manager Olli Tuovinen from Valmet.
COCOBIN’s research partners engage in extensive international collaboration with other research organizations. The project preparation has been supported by CLIC Innovation, an open innovation company promoting sustainable development. The project is part of three Business Finland Veturi programs: Valmet's Beyond Circularity, Mirka's Shape, and Metsä Board's ExpandFibre programs.
More information:
Professor Henrikki Liimatainen
project coordinator
henrikki.liimatainen@oulu.fi