The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has announced the Energy First initiative, a new project targeting the reduction of energy and resource consumption in the manufacture of fibre-based products.  

With a budget of approximately €20m ($22m) over the next four years, the initiative includes various projects and the launch an open-access pilot line in Jyväskylä, Finland. 

The collaborative research is intended to develop and test sustainable alternatives for cardboard packaging, hygiene products, and nonwoven fabrics. 

VTT biomaterials processing and products vice-president Atte Virtanen said: "This new initiative is a pivotal step towards more sustainable and competitive fibre-based products, and has the potential for great impact, thanks to more than 50 industrial partners. We are excited about the prospect of 1:1 commercial projects with companies, driving innovation in energy-efficient paper board production. 

“VTT's purpose is to bring together people, business, science and technology, paving the way to a sustainable future. The Energy First theme aims to do just that." 

The Energy First initiative comes as the forest industry is currently grappling with challenges such as the rising cost of energy and a scarcity of fibrewood.  

The initiative will develop a manufacturing process that lowers the use of water and energy.  

VTT's scientists have estimated that the new process could potentially reduce water consumption by up to 90% and significantly decrease carbon emissions, with an overall goal of reducing energy consumption by up to 50%. 

The products created through this new process are designed to be fully compatible with existing recycling methods, offering a sustainable alternative to reusable packaging.  

The initiative also aligns with the planned EU packaging directive, which requires both the raw material and the manufacturing process to be sustainable.  

All biobased packaging solutions will undergo a sustainability assessment to ensure compliance. 

In pursuit of a smaller environmental footprint and enhanced competitiveness for fibre-based products, the initiative also aims to redefine the forest industry's impact.  

Funding for the initiative comes from the EU, the European Regional Development Fund, VTT, and the collaborating companies.  

The consortium is actively participating in EU projects such as EU SteamDry, which has a budget of €9.84m over three and a half years.