From waste to worth: Building a value chain for underutilized natural fibres as feedstock in 3D printing

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Northern Periphery and Arctic

Date of latest update: 2025-05-05

Description

Description (EN):

The project aims to establish a sustainable and economically viable value chain for underutilized natural fibers in the NPA region. The solution is creating appealing, industrially manufactured value-added end-products using smart, intelligent technologies that allow for high customizability. This approach could effectively utilize a substantial amount of underutilized fibres and ensure the commercial viability of a sustainable, circular resource. To enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact, the project focuses on recycling underutilized natural fibres to concrete and polymer composite-based 3D-printing feedstock for construction and manufacturing industries. By adopting 3D printing, the project seeks to transition industries in the region from a linear to a circular economy. By creating new feedstock by combining recycled materials and underutilized natural fibres, the project unlocks exciting opportunities for developing fully localized value chains.

Expected Achievements (EN):

The objective is to build a collaborative network that supports the adoption of environment-friendly practices and promotes community-driven innovations in 3D printing technologies. This work package focuses on promoting partnerships between local communities, industrial actors and the researchers. It aims to facilitate the knowledge transfer through workshops, training sessions, and webinars, ensuring that stakeholders are informed and actively contribute to the development of sustainable materials for smart manufacturing technology. The objective of this work package is to develop and optimize methods for the extraction of valuable chemicals from underutilized natural fibers to be used as additives for enhancing the mechanical and functional properties of polymer- and concrete-based composites as a resource efficient feedstock in 3D printing. Additionally, the work package will focus on the development of effective pretreatment techniques to improve the compatibility and performance of these fibers in composite production. Following the development phase, the work package will pilot the newly developed extraction and pretreatment methods to validate their scalability and effectiveness in composite applications. The objective of this work package is to develop, pilot, and assess the feasibility of using pre-treated underutilized natural fibers as feedstock for 3D printing applications, specifically in the form of fiber-reinforced polymer and fiber-reinforced concrete composites. This will involve the formulation of advanced composite materials suitable for 3D printing, piloting the printing process using optimized formulations, and conducting a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and cost analysis. The work package will also lay the groundwork for transitioning from pilot-scale operations to commercial-scale production, ensuring the economic and environmental viability of the 3D printing process with sustainable and resource-efficient bio-based materials.

Project outputs: Network development(EN)
Piloting of underutilized fibres pretreatment and conversion to additives for plastics(EN)
Pilot demonstration of large format concrete and plastic 3D printing with converted underutilized natural fibre as feedstock material
(EN)
Value chains for underutilized natural fibres as plastic and concrete based 3D printing feedstock
(EN)
Guidebook for transition from pilot scale to commercial scale implementation(EN)

Thematic information

Waste and pollution Agriculture and fisheries and forestry

Priority: (VI-B_NPaA_2) Strengthening the capacity for climate change adaptation, and resource sufficiency in NPA communities

Priority specific objective: RSO2.6. Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 075 Support to environmentally-friendly production processes and resource efficiency in SMEs

Partners (6)

Lead Partner: Centria-ammattikorkeakoulu Oy

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FI10978053

Department: Research and Development / Chemistry and Bioeconomy Team

Address: Talonpojankatu, 67100 Kokkola, Finland

Department address: Talonpojankatu, 67100 Kokkola, Finland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.centria.fi

Total budget: EUR 350 064.92

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 227 542.19

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 122 522.73

Umeå Universitet

Name: Umeå Universitet

Department: Department of Chemistry

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SE202100287401

Address: UNIVERSITETSTORGET, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden

Department address: UNIVERSITETSTORGET, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.umu.se/en/

Total budget: EUR 250 035.24

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 162 522.90

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 87 512.34

Luleå tekniska universitet

Name: Luleå tekniska universitet

Department: Division: Materials Science, Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SE202100284101

Address: Laboratorievägen, 97187 Luleå, Sweden

Department address: Laboratorievägen, 97187 Luleå, Sweden

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.ltu.se

Total budget: EUR 270 081.76

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 175 553.14

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 94 528.62

Innomost Oy

Name: Innomost Oy

Department: R&D

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FI27937805

Address: Kemirantie 1, 67900 Kokkola, Finland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://innomost.com/

Total budget: EUR 100 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 65 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Munster Technological University

Name: Munster Technological University

Department: Circular Bioeconomy Cluster/CircBio Research Group at MTU The Circular Bioeconomy Research Group is a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in bioresources, sustainability, green chemistry, biotechnology, low emission agriculture and biorefining

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IE 3714786EH

Address: Dromthacker Road, V92 HD4V Tralee, Co Kerry, Ireland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.mtu.ie/

Total budget: EUR 249 681.68

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 162 293.09

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 87 388.59

MANORHAMILTON INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT CLG T/A FUTURE CAST

Name: MANORHAMILTON INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT CLG T/A FUTURE CAST

Department: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IE 3702885NH

Address: Church Ln, F91W5FE Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, Ireland

Department address: Toberbride Business Park, F91 PY76 Toberbride, Collooney, Ireland

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.futurecast.info

Total budget: EUR 295 880.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 192 322.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 103 558.00

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): From waste to worth: Building a value chain for underutilized natural fibres as feedstock in 3D printing

Project acronym: BIO-2-PRINT

Project ID: NPA0800237

Project start date: 2025-03-01

Project end date: 2028-02-29

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

BIOPRINT - 3D Printing with Bio-based Materials in a Circular Economy Context, Interreg NPA (EN) | BIOPRINT is currently running NPA project which aims to develop a main project proposal based on the stakeholder interactions and also rooted on the findings from feasibility study. The lessons learned during the project period will be pivotal in developing the main project BIO-2-PRINT. Both Centria and MTU worked together to achieve the project objectives. (EN), VENEPRINT - Additive manufacturing in
the boat industry-ERDF (EN) | The knowledge gained from VENEPRINT in the field of additive manufacturing and in the development of bio-based 3D printable feedstocks will be utilized in the implementation of the project (EN), SMART WPC-Development of Multifunctional
Hi-tech Cellulose Based
Composites for Smart Products -Interreg
IV Nord (EN) | BIO-2-PRINT will utilize the experience gained on the pilot scale production of bio-composites from SMART WPC. The mutual collaboration developed during the project period between LTU and Centria will be an asset in the successful implementation of the project (EN), Nexus-Twinning Research and Innovation Institutions to Design and Implement Inclusive GEPs (EN) | Future Cast will leverage synergies with Horizon Europe project, Nexus, to enhance innovation and sustainable development in the region. Drawing from its experience in digital construction and Industry 4.0, Future Cast will integrate cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and use sustainable materials to create new value chains. (EN), Bio4Energy (EN) | For UMU, the project will be synergistic with the activities within the Strategic Research Environment Bio4Energy. Bio4Energy, covers all aspects of valorization of biomass and residual streams derived from plant biomass, not only to energy carriers but also to green chemicals and bio-based materials. Specifically, it will be synergistic with the activities in the Bio4Energy research platform "Biopolymers and Biochemical Conversion Technologies" (EN), Biorefining of Bark in Biochemical Conversion and in Forest-Industrial Processes - Swedish Energy Agency (EN) | BIO-2-PRINT will also be synergistic with the research project "Biorefining of Bark in Biochemical Conversion and in Forest-Industrial Processes", which is supported by the Swedish Energy Agency. The synergy will come from the research on extraction, fractionation, and characterization of bark from the most common tree species in the northernmost part of Scandinavia and Finland (Partner -UMU). (EN), Target Circular, Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success (Interreg NPA) (EN) | The MTU and Centria teams will share learning from key activities 1) Bio-based value chain model and 2) A circular economy training for SMEs developed in the Target Circular project and adapt it in the BIO-V2-PRINT project for stakeholder engagement and training activity. (EN), InterTradeIreland funded project BIODIRECT (EN) | In 2024, MTU led a project to identify opportunities for bio-based product development in Textiles, Construction, Packaging and Agriculture sectors on the island of Ireland connecting customers with new suppliers. The partnerships built in the project will be seeking manufacturing capabilities and 3D printing offers an efficient route to market for new collaborative bio-based product development opportunities in the construction and packaging sectors specifically. (EN), Wax - Interreg Nord (EN) | The goal of the project was to develop methods that enable extracting natural wax from arctic berries for application in various industries (e.g. medicine, cosmetics, bio-composites). The project was a good example of successful cross-border collaboration (Sweden - LTU, Finland – OAMK, University of Oulu, Norway - NIBIO). It also demonstrated potential of undervalued natural resources in Arctic region, similar to the objectives of Bio-2-print. (EN), ANACOMPO - Interreg Nord (EN) | Collaboration between Sweden (LTU, Swerea SICOMP) and Finland (Ketek, Karlebyenheten för Tammerfors tekniska universitet). The BIO-2-PRINT project can utilized results of the ANACOMPO, as the main objective of ANACOMPO was to develop high performance natural fiber composites. LTU will adapt the knowledge and expertise from this project for BIO-2-PRINT (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 515 743.60

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 985 233.32

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 65.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 985 233.32. Co-financing rate, 65.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Stakeholder Map for BIO-2-PRINT
Online networking event
Webinar - Best practices for bio-based industries and local communities: Case 3D printing
On-site training session for stakeholders on large scale 3D printing
Value Chain Development Plan
Workshop on 3D printing with bio-based feedstock materials
Develop Infographic
Joint actionable framework for underutilized natural fibers as printing feedstock in 3D printing
Communication plan
Underutilized natural fibre mapping and data report for composite production
Extraction methodology report and additive sample portfolio
Dataset for piloting of pretreatment of underutilized natural fibres
Pilot dataset from pretreatment and bio-based additives from underutilized fibres
Composite Formulation Development Report
Pilot dataset on performance metrics, printability tests and mechanical evaluations
Sustainability and economic viability assessment report for 3D printed fibre reinforced composites
Guidebook for scaling up: transition from pilot to commercial production - Case BIO-2-PRINT

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal The project aligns with EU Green Deal by promoting the use of underutilized natural fibres in 3D printing, replacing traditional, resource-intensive materials with bio-based alternatives. This reduces the environmental footprint of industries like construction and manufacturing. The project supports circular economy principles by valorizing bio-waste and reducing dependence on fossil-based resources, contributing to EU's goals of carbon neutrality, sustainable resource use, and economic growth
SeaBasinStrategyArcticOcean The project promotes sustainable resource use and bio-based innovations that can benefit Arctic industries. By utilizing underutilized natural fibres in 3D printing, the project reduces environmental impact and supports circular economy initiatives, aligning with goals of sustainable development. Additionally, the project collaborate across borders, which is key to promoting prosperity and peaceful cooperation in Artic regions
AtlanticStrategy By using seaweed, a marine resource, in 3D printing, the project supports plan's focus on sustainable use of marine resources and innovation in bioeconomy. This aligns with the plan's goals of reducing environmental impact and promoting green growth in coastal communities
TerritorialAgenda2030 By using underutilized natural fibres and residues in 3D printing, the project supports circular economy and contributes to reducing regional disparities. Additionally, the project promotes cross-border cooperation and knowledge transfer, aligning with the agenda's focus on cohesive, well-connected, and sustainable territories across Europe

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Northern Periphery and Arctic

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-05-05

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

63 / 63 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

305 / 305 (100%)

Notes on the data

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From waste to worth: Building a value chain for underutilized natural fibres as feedstock in 3D printing

Description

Thematic information

Partners (6)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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