The Swedish startup company Biosorbe uses cellulose and microorganisms to decontaminate soil, water and air. Recently Biosorbe inaugurated its first factory and entered a partnership that enables them to expand to an international market.
Biosorbe has developed a bio-based absorbent, made of cellulose, that absorbs oil but is resistant to water. Its unique properties make it possible to clean up, for example, oil spills in water and on land in an environmentally friendly way.
Biosorbe also provides a highly tolerant and effective range of microorganisms to remediate soil and water.
Recently, their first factory was inaugurated, strategically located next to Rottneros, a pulp mill in Värmland County, Sweden – where they efficiently use the mill's waste heat to dry the product.
“Through Rottneros, we also gain access to raw materials and industry expertise” says Lars-Erik Sjögren, CEO of Biosorbe.
New industry creates growth in the region
With the help of bioeconomy cluster Paper Province, they got in contact with the pulp mill, where they decided to build their pilot plant. Decisive was the proximity to the forest and the competence and infrastructure that Värmland County, Sweden and Rottneros mill offer. With the new production facility, the products can now be launched on an industrial scale.
Lars-Erik Sjögren envisions a large market for decontamination of small and large oil spills and also oil decontamination out in the oceans.
New partnership to reach a global market
On the same day as the inauguration, it was revealed that Biosorbe had signed a cooperation agreement with Ekman & Co AB regarding global sales, marketing and logistics of Biosorbes products.
The companies' joint investment and cooperation enables Biosorbe to reach the global market.
“Ekman's global presence means that Biosorbe has representatives in the whole world with a large local market knowledge”, says Lars-Erik Sjögren.
TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/