Products and energy from biomass

The topic area "Products and Energy from Biomass" deals with the production of high-quality raw materials for chemicals, bioplastics, and environmentally friendly wood-based adhesives and composites, as well as technologies and processes for the efficient conversion of wood into heat, electricity, or fuels.

At a higher level, wood-based energy sources and feedstocks must be established as technically and economically competitive alternatives to fossil raw materials. This includes new processes for converting biomass into energy, processing wood or bark into platform chemicals, and an overarching utilization concept for maximizing the added value of biomass.

Important for this would be the activation of key people, the bundling of know-how in a – possibly polycentric – competence center, the construction of demonstration plants, for example as a bioproducts factory hub, as well as the establishment of topic-specific further training courses.

Strategic goals

Activities in the field of biomass products and energy must aim to establish wood-based energy sources and feedstocks as technically and economically competitive alternatives to fossil fuels. Specifically, the following strategic objectives can be identified:

In order to maximize the added value from biomass, there is an overarching utilization concept for the material and energetic utilization of wood.
Processes for the digestion of wood or bark into platform chemicals and/or processes for the material use of these platform chemicals are established.
The potential arising from the strong position of Swiss biotechnology is being harnessed for the development of biorefinery products, with a focus on products with high added value.
With a high proportion of functionalized, smart fibers, cellulose fibrils are used in products from other value chains and can thus replace existing petroleum-based products.
Maximum substitution of fossil fuels through conversion of wood at the end
its life cycle or of unused assortments in low-emission, high-efficiency plants that deliver high-quality energy forms.

Measures and proposed actions

Measure: Develop function-specific fibers with defined properties

Suggested actions:
- Use of non-sawable wood
- Fibre breaking of waste wood (cycle)

Measure: Activate key people and institutions for bioproducts and wood energy

Proposed action: No specific fields of action

Measure: Identification of needs and, if necessary, establishment of a biorefinery training course

Proposed action: The scope (probably up to CAS level) and the methodology (e.g. with e-learning modules) must be defined.

Measure: Optimize the processing of wood into standardized fuels

Proposed action: Optimization of the overall processes with regard to combustion quality, exhaust gas aftertreatment, heat recovery and process control.

Measure: Create a polycentric competence center for wood-based biorefinery

Proposed action: A polycentric competence center should also enable smaller companies and startups to enter the market. This could be implemented in cooperation with various interest groups.

Measure: Develop and implement a Swiss bioeconomy strategy

Proposal for action: Based on the wood resource policy, a bioeconomy strategy will be developed and implemented under the leadership of the FOEN.

Measure: Plan and construct a modular, flexible demonstration plant as a bioproducts hub

Proposal for action: Determine the relevance of an organic product plant in Switzerland

Measure: Raise public awareness of wood as a biogenic carbon source

Suggested action: Develop information sheets

Projects of our members

Below you will find the table of projects. Select the measure relevant to you, and the projects will be listed by approval year, funding organization, project title, and institution.

2022	Innosuisse	BioNIPU BondTech (BNBT): Sustainable adhesive technology from local lignocellulosic biomass for fiber-based thermal insulation boards	BFH IWH Institute for Materials and Wood Technology
2021	Innosuisse	SwissTannFeed: Extracts from forestry and sawmill residues for the regulation of parasites and bacterial infestation in livestock farming	BFH IWH Institute for Materials and Wood Technology
2022	Innosuisse	Lignin TPU: bio-based, thermoplastic polyurethanes	BFH IWH Institute for Materials and Wood Technology
2021	Innosuisse	Refining textile raw materials into abrasive backings through the use of sustainable and regionally produced binders	BFH IWH Institute for Materials and Wood Technology

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Completed measures and the latest findings from the S-WIN network

The latest findings from the S-WIN network are published here every six months.

International projects and funding programmes

Horizon Europe

Description: Supports research and innovation in various fields, including sustainable forestry and wood technology.
Homepage: Horizon Europe

LIFE Programme for the Environment and Climate Action

Description: Funds projects on environmental conservation and biodiversity, including sustainable forest management.
Homepage: LIFE Programme [ungültige URL entfernt]

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

Description: Provides support for rural development, agriculture and forestry.

InvestEU

Description: Mobilizes private investment to promote sustainable projects, including timber construction.
Homepage: InvestEU

Just Transition Fund

Description: Supports regions in the transition to a climate-neutral economy, including sustainable forestry.
Homepage: Just Transition Fund [ungültige URL entfernt]

Interreg Programmes

Description: Promotes cross-border cooperation in Europe, including in the field of forestry.
Homepage: Interreg

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​Products and energy from biomass