SUSBINCO-project will develop innovations to substitute fossil-based binders and coatings with bio-based solutions which can be used in packaging, paints, adhesives, sealants, and abrasives. These solutions are urgently needed to produce more sustainable alternatives, reduce greenhouse gases and reduce the dependency on fossil-based raw materials.

Conventional binders are mainly made from fossil-based polymers which causes environmental and safety concerns as crude oil is a finite and non-renewable resource, and the extraction and use of fossils are linked to many environmental problems and climate change. A transition is needed towards sustainable binders and coatings, which are eagerly sought after by the industry.

Bio-based binders and coatings can significantly reduce the use of synthetic or even toxic chemicals and produce lower emissions. The use of renewable feedstocks is and will become even more important raw material for the future chemical industries. SUSBINCO comprehensively addresses resource use to provide sustainable economic growth and human development.

The developed innovations aim at grasp on untapped market opportunities. All of the markets related to the SUSBINCO application areas are expecting strong growth and are trending towards bio-based solutions. SUSBINCO ties in the significant impact and supports the Finnish bioeconomy by developing novel bio-based alternatives to fossil-based binders and coatings.

The industrial partners of the consortium are Brightplus, CH-Bioforce, CH-Polymers, Kiilto, MetGen, Metsä Board, Mirka, Montinutra, Teknos, UPM-Kymmene, and Valmet Technologies. The research organisations of the consortium are Åbo Akademi University, VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, University of Oulu, Natural Resources Institute of Finland, Tampere University, and University of Eastern Finland.

News and events

• 19.10.2022 on CLIC website and newsletter: SUSBINCO project develops sustainable, bio-based binder and coating solutions – Interview with Prof. Chunlin Xu
• 6.2022: Prof. Chunlin Xu presented the SUSBINCO project during EXPANDFIBRE Ecosystem Annual seminar on June 21, 2022
• 5.2022: CLIC Innovation started as SUSBINCO project coordinator
• 01.2022: SUSBINCO joined EXPANDFIBRE ecosystem
• 12.2021: The SUSBINCO project aims to make Finland a global leader in bio-based packaging

Participation in conferences:

• To come

Outcomes:

• To come

Contacts of project partners: PIs of each partner

• Åbo Akademi University: Chunlin Xu   
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd: Marc Borrega  
• University of Oulu: Henrikki Liimatainen   
• University of Eastern Finland: Reijo Lappalainen              
• Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology: Ville Leminen        
• Tampere University: Tomas Björkqvist     
• Natural Resources Institute Finland: Pekka Saranpää                   
• UPM-Kymmene Oyj: Christiane Laine  
• Metsä Board Oyj: Riku Talja 
• Mirka Oy: Petter Andersson                                    
• CH-Polymers Oy: Misla Lagus  
• Teknos Oy: Pasi Virtanen  
• Montinutra Oy: Jaakko Pajunen         
• Brightplus Oy: Maiju Hietala    
• Kiilto Oy: Christopher Mills   
• CH-Bioforce Oy: Lari Vähäsalo                         
• MetGen Oy: Petri Ihalainen    
• Valmet Technologies Oy: Olli Tuovinen