In a groundbreaking development for a sustainable industry, the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) and LUT University in Espoo, Finland, have officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art CO₂ conversion pilot plant.
This facility, housed in sea containers, is used to convert captured carbon dioxide emissions into plastics.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in the global effort to replace fossil fuels with more sustainable alternatives.
Promoting the green economy and hydrogen sector in Finland
The newly commissioned CO₂ conversion plant plays a crucial role in Finland’s comprehensive strategy to expand the use of technological carbon sinks as part of its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
By utilizing bio-based CO₂ emissions from key industries such as forestry and waste incineration, the plant aims to promote sustainable industrial practices in the country.
This innovative project is part of the Forest CUMP research initiative, a collaboration between VTT and LUT University.
The research focus was on exploring the possibility of converting bio-based CO₂ into valuable products such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), which are among the most commonly used plastics in everyday life.
These plastics were traditionally made from fossil fuels, but can now be produced using a more environmentally friendly process, thus providing a sustainable alternative.
CO₂ conversion: supporting the transition to a greener plastics industry
The new facility at the Bioruukki pilot centre is a practical step towards realising the objectives of the Forest CUMP research project.
The initiative operates within Business Finland’s Veturi ecosystem and is supported by major Finnish companies, including Borealis, through the SPIRIT programme.
The aim of this cooperation is to support the green transformation of the plastics industry, promote sustainable development and contribute to Finland’s national carbon neutrality goals.
The Forest CUMP project, which began in August 2022, is scheduled to continue until the end of 2024, laying the foundation for future advances in CO₂ conversion technology and sustainable industry practices.
A great opportunity for Finland’s export market
VTT research professor Juha Lehtonen emphasizes the enormous potential of this technology and points out that in Finland about 30 million tons of CO₂ are produced biologically every year.
If this CO₂ is effectively captured and converted into usable products, Finland could become a leading producer and exporter of polymers and fuels based on carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
“The technology creates a significant export opportunity for high-value-added renewable products,” explained Lehtonen.
“Thanks to its extensive forestry industry, Finland has great potential for using bio-based carbon dioxide. Outside the Nordic countries, large sources of bio-based carbon dioxide are rare.”
As Finland continues to push the boundaries of sustainable innovation, the CO₂ conversion pilot plant in Espoo serves as a beacon of what can be achieved when cutting-edge research meets practical application.
With the potential to revolutionise the plastics industry and significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels, this initiative not only underlines Finland’s commitment to environmental protection but also positions the country as a leader in the global transition to a greener economy.
