Södra contributes SEK 6.4 million to research projects

Since it was founded in 1995, the Södra Foundation for Research, Development and Education has awarded more than SEK 245 million in funding to 200 different research projects. As a result of this, progress has been made in a wide range of areas related to the bio-based economy, for example, in terms of new possibilities for fossil-free products.

Five new research projects are now to share a further SEK 6.4 million from the Södra Foundation for Research, Development and Education. The projects awarded funding include research into advanced construction material, fuel and forest management.

“By funding research, Södra is paving the way not only for future forestry but also for new, climate-smart products and sustainable production. Investment in research is vital if we are to manage the transition of society and phase out fossil-based products,” said Göran Örlander, Chairman of the Södra Research Foundation.

Renewable fuel in focus
The “Kompetenscentrum f3 – Providing Energy for the Transport Sector” project has been awarded funding. It works to advance the analysis and knowledge of renewable fuels.

“The centre of excellence (Kunskapscentrum) has created a unique position for the analysis of renewable fuels. This work is set to continue to build expertise that focuses on how renewable resources can – with a high level of climate efficiency – achieve a rapid transition from fossil to renewable fuels. It is important that long-term knowledge-building initiatives in the field of sustainable fuels continue in order to create lasting change,” said Catrin Gustavsson, President of Södra Innovation.

Another project granted funding aims to develop new types of environmentally beneficial surface treatments for fire-resistant, bio-based construction materials. This is to produce sustainable solutions that favour the use of wood in exposed environments.

Establishment of mixed coniferous stands
In addition, three forest management projects were approved. These include a project that will study methods of effectively establishing and cleaning mixed coniferous stands.

“The most common mixed forest in southern Sweden contains pine and spruce. For management purposes, mixed coniferous forest is well suited to soil with varying soil properties. It yields good value production and improved cultivation reliability in conjunction with climate change. However, the proportion of mixed coniferous forest in young forests has declined for several decades, which makes this project particularly relevant,” said Göran Örlander.