Vilikkala involved in the ExpandFibre ecosystem

In August, Vilikkala was brought on as the 103rd corporate member of an R&D ecosystem led by Fortum and Metsä Group. The network shares common goals for the development of biomaterials and products. The company’s plans to build an airlay line will increase opportunities for the mechanical processing of textiles and bio-based fibers in Finland.

A mechanical partner for the production and development of next-generation materials

Vilikkala's network is expanding significantly through its partnership with the Rester Oy ecosystem. The airlay plan enables the manufacturing of various felt and sheet products from mixed fibers derived from end-of-life textiles, which are otherwise difficult to utilize as a resource.

The company’s future production has the potential to apply numerous Finnish bio-innovations in fibers, coatings, binding agents, and adhesives. The airlay line significantly promotes the utilization of textiles as a resource and their reuse in different products. As a mechanical partner, Vilikkala is an expert in developing materials and creating new solutions, for instance in the field of circular economy for textiles.

What is ExpandFibre?

ExpandFibre is an R&D collaboration and ecosystem initiated by Fortum and Metsä Group to accelerate the development of sustainable bioproducts. It focuses on refining pulp fibers, hemicellulose, and lignin derived from renewable and sustainable straw and Nordic wood into new bioproducts. Its goal is to meet the growing demand for sustainable textile fibers and other high-value-added biomaterials.

Read the article published by the network about the collaboration here:

Circular economy through use of textile waste: Vilikkala joins ExpandFibre Ecosystem