Renewable polymer products - industrial emissions

Forest CUMP – Renewable Polymer Products from Finnish Industrial Emissions

23/9/2024

Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) for Combating Climate Change
Capturing carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and utilizing it to produce new products is a crucial step toward building a sustainable future. Carbon Reuse Finland participated in the BECCU project, led by VTT, which developed production pathways for utilizing bio-based carbon dioxide and green hydrogen, particularly in the production of polyurethanes. The project demonstrated significant technological potential and laid the foundation for further research.

Forest CUMP Continues the Development Work
Building on BECCU’s results, the Forest CUMP project was launched in autumn 2022. It focuses on producing polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, from renewable raw materials. These materials form the basis of everyday products, including plastic packaging and building insulation. The project utilizes bio-based CO₂ emissions from the forestry industry and carbon dioxide from waste incineration as raw materials for new products.

A Strong Consortium Brings Expertise
Forest CUMP involves a broad consortium of Finnish companies, including Borealis, Neste, Kemira, and Stora Enso. Carbon Reuse Finland, in collaboration with Kleener Power Solutions, is developing industrial CO₂ capture and purification technologies. The project also supports the strategic goals of Borealis and Neste to develop sustainable solutions for utilizing carbon dioxide.

Carbon Dioxide as a Substitute for Crude Oil
Carbon dioxide can be used to produce various products traditionally made from crude oil, such as fuels, chemicals, and polymers. In particular, polymeric materials like polyurethanes and polyolefins can sequester carbon dioxide for long periods, making them a more sustainable alternative. The goal of the Forest CUMP project is to commercialize these technologies and reinforce Finland’s role as a leader in the circular economy.

Read the full article here: Forest CUMP – Renewable Polymer Products from Finnish Industrial Emissions