Vilikkala joins the ExpandFibre ecosystem

In August, Vilikkala was included in the R&D ecosystem led by Fortum and Metsä Group, as its 103rd corporate member. The network has common goals for the development of biomaterials and products. The company's plans to build an airlay line will increase the possibilities for mechanical textile and biofiber processing in Finland.

A mechanical partner for the production and development of new generation materials

Vilikkala's network is expanding significantly due to the ecosystem partnership with Rester Oy. The Ilmakarsta plan enables the production of various felt and sheet products from mixed fibers obtained from waste textiles, which are otherwise difficult to utilize as a resource.

The company's future production has the opportunity to apply many Finnish bioinnovations in fibers, coatings, bonding raw materials and adhesives. The Airlay line significantly promotes the utilization of textiles as a resource and their reuse as a different product. As a mechanical partner, Vilikkala is an expert in developing materials and creating new solutions, for example in the field of the textile circular economy.

What is ExpandFibre?

ExpandFibre is an R&D collaboration and ecosystem launched by Fortum and Metsä Group to accelerate the development of sustainable bioproducts. It focuses on the processing of cellulose fibers, hemicellulose and lignin from renewable and sustainable straw and northern wood into new bioproducts. It aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable textile fibers and other value-added biomaterials.

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

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