
Forest, the environment and energy
RESEARCH UNITS
FiberLaboratory
Read moreForest, the environment and energy focus area researches and develops new products, production processes as well as measurement and monitoring solutions for the fields of bio-economy, circular economy and technology industry. The focus area expertise and laboratories excel in the fields of bio-product and fibre technology, wastewater purification, environmental safety, wood modification as well as energy technology. Annually, the focus area cooperates with close to 400 companies in research and development projects and commissioned projects as well as through piloting and analysis services.
SPEARHEADS OF COMPETENCE
New fibre products and processes
Xamk researches and develops new eco-efficient and energy efficient process concepts for forest biomass, and processing and modification of wood fibre. Xamk’s newest development work is done in cooperation with Aalto University and the focus is on research and piloting activities done with Aaltocell™ technology that aim at productizing microcrystalline cellulose.
Environmental safety and circular economy
At Xamk the term ‘environmental safety’ refers to the sustainable use of natural resources, and efforts to improve the eco-friendliness of businesses and ensure a clean living environment. Development work is aimed at finding clean technology solutions for bio, water and circular economy as well as intelligent monitoring practises. In terms of circular economy, our development activities focus on applications for biomaterials (side streams of the forest industry, agriculture and communities) and energy and construction business, together with developing the associated expertise.
Renewable and efficient energy systems
In the field of renewable and efficient energy systems, the focus area researches, develops and analyses the environmental effectiveness of combustion processes, conducts applied research related to renewable energy systems, and provides services for businesses. The strengths of the research group include combustion processes, biogas and bio-coal processing as well as carbon capture from flue gases including recovery concepts.
Forestry and wood construction
In forestry and wood construction, expertise includes sustainable and efficient forest management and harvesting, and business knowhow in private forestry. Wood construction expertise covers the development of the competitiveness of wood through different kinds of modification techniques, and the development of industrial wood construction.
Electronics and materials
With its research units, Xamk is a prominent RDI partner in the electronics industry. Material technology testing for technology and construction industry purposes (composite, metal, concrete and wood structures) is one of our strong service and research fields. The next step is combining our electronics, material technology and bioproduct technology expertise with the needs of businesses. As an example of this, we are developing 3D-printable cellulose and other biomaterial applications, and seeking sustainable ways of using these in fields such as the electronics industry.