Technology
Natural and robust fractionation process
Pressurised Hot Water Extraction (PHWE) is an efficient, inexpensive, and water-based, chemical-free process to extract valuable natural products from lignocellulosic feedstock.
Our extraction process has been optimized aiming at the production of a hemicellulose-rich fraction consisting mainly of galactoglucomannans (GGM) from Norway spruce (Picea abies) sawdust. The mild processing conditions allow for hemicellulose sugars recovery without hydrolysis and lignin fraction recovery without extensive depolymerisation or sulfonation.
Valuable raw materials
The residual chips from extraction process are low in water-soluble contents and they have high temperature stability compared to untreated wood. Hydrothermally treated dry or wet solid particles can be converted into valuable raw materials for a variety of demanding applications or used for heat and energy production.
Since 2021, we have operated a pilot scale extraction process and are ready to produce ingredients for sampling purposes. In parallel, we are planning to expand our production to a commercial scale due to be constructed next to Metsä Group’s Vilppula sawmill, estimated to be up and running in 2026.
The Boreal process
Norway spruce (Picea abies) sawdust is used as a raw material. It is a side stream of the sawmilling industry.
Pressurised Hot Water Extraction (PHWE) is a chemical-free process to extract valuable natural products.
Hydrothermally treated dry or wet solid particles can be converted into valuable raw materials.
This technique is easily scalable, and it can be flexibly applied to different types of lignocellulosic feedstocks.