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Valuable feedstock
His vision revolves around the
‘Multiple-Input Multiple-Output’
mill. Behind this concept lies a simple
rationale: greater flexibility in the raw
materials going in; greater diversity in
the products coming out.
“Rather than relying on conven-
tional virgin cellulose from trees, the
paper mill of the future will draw from
a wider pool of streams, including
agricultural by-products – such as
tomato plant stems. We are also
looking into the use of annual plants
like miscanthus and the use of grass
fromnature conservation areas in the
production of food packaging.”
At the mill’s ‘exit’ end, Bousios sees
potential for extracting more profit
from streams that currently consume
money in disposal costs. Everything
‘non-paper’ that leaves the mill should
not be written off as ‘waste’. Instead it
should be treated as potentially valu-
able feedstock. Rejects, sludge and
process waters contain valuable cellu-
lose fibre and other organic and inor-
ganic components that are severely
underused.
“We have been exploring the poten-
tial for extracting high-value applica-
tions such as bioplastics, green chemi-
cals and composite materials.”
Smarter grades
Another reason to get excited about
paper’s future is the new function-
ality being added to paper products
through innovative materials and tech-
nologies, notes Bousios. “For instance
active paper-based food packaging can
protect food fromdegradation.”
Bousios hopes his research will
serve as an eye-opener showing the
industry how it can secure a long-term
future by embracing out-of-the-box
ideas that defy established business
models.
“Rather than relying on conventional
virgin cellulose from trees, the paper
mill of the future will draw from a wider
pool of streams, including agricultural
by-products – such as tomato plant
stems. We are also looking into the
use of annual plants like miscanthus
and the use of grass from nature
conservation areas in the production
of food packaging.”
Spyros Bousios
“The paper industry has vast experi-
ence operating in a bio-based context,
and this experience will prove critical
in the transition from fossil fuels to
a bio-based economy. Paper is set to
become a hub connecting many indus-
tries,” concludes Bousios.
Many of Bousios’ predictions are
already becoming reality at UPM.
Though its roots are still planted firmly
in the paper industry, the company
is now also carving out a niche as
bio-economy pioneer, with biofuels,
biocomposites and other high-value
applications complementing its tradi-
tional portfolio.
Paradigm challenger
Like Bousios,
Janne Varvemaa
,
Portfolio Director for Paper R&D at
UPM, believes in challenging past
paradigms. Leading a 100-strong team
in Lappeenranta, he works closely
with colleagues in Augsburg, Germany
>>