Norske Skog has been granted NOK 6.5 million ($784,086) from Innovation Norway for two projects. For further development of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), or so-called nanocellulose, it has been granted NOK 4.5 million ($542,829), while for the development of fibreboard the total support is NOK 2 million ($241,257).

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Norske Skog receives NOK 6.5 million ($784,086) from Innovation Norway for two projects

Norske Skog has been granted NOK 6.5 million ($784,086) from Innovation Norway for two projects, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

For further development of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), or so-called nanocellulose, it has been granted NOK 4.5 million ($542,829), while for the development of fibreboard the total support is NOK 2 million ($241,257).

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) will be a new commodity that will enhance paper-based products. In addition, MFC can over time be developed as a replacement for plastic products, as well as a thickening substance in various products such as paint.

Innovation Norway has already funded a pre-built pilot plant for MFC-production at Saugbrugs, which will open later this year. This plant has a capacity of about 1 ton per day.

“Our strategy is to develop new fiber and energy products in synergy with our paper production. The MFC plant can be one of the leading facilities in the world, and may eventually give Norske Skog a unique knowledge to produce new environmentally friendly and renewable products in the future,” says Kjell Arve Kure, CEO of Norske Skog Saugbrugs.

The main purpose of the MFC-project is to develop MFC from thermomechanical pulp (TMP), which is the main raw material for paper. The pilot project is budgeted at NOK 18.4 million ($2.2 million) of which Innovation Norway's funding share is NOK 4.5 million ($542,829).

Norske Skog has also received NOK 2 million ($241,257) in funding from Innovation Norway to develop fibreboard. Preliminary test results show the boards to have a solid structure, light weight and excellent insulation capabilities.

The project funding will cover the building of a pilot plant to develop necessary production techniques to realize full-scale production of the new fibreboards. The boards will be tested and developed in collaboration with potential customers in the construction industry. The project aim is to realize full-scale production within a short time frame.