The conference Cellulose Workshop, an international workshop focused on cellulose research, has been organised for the eleventh time. The 11th Workshop on Cellulose, Regenerated Cellulose, and Cellulose Derivatives gathered participants from 10 countries to learn about the latest research findings in the field.
– I had the pleasure of organising the 11th Cellulose Workshop at ¹û¶³´«Ã½. It was a success thanks to our excellent keynote speakers, presenters, participants, sponsors and organisers, says Björn Sjöstrand, Docent in Chemical engineering. I would especially like to mention Professor Ulf GermgÃ¥rd, who initiated the workshop over 20 years ago. Since then, it has been held more or less every other year with ¹û¶³´«Ã½ and UmeÃ¥ University as organisers. This was the first time that Ulf was not involved in organising the event, instead, he participated as a guest of honour.
The cellulose molecule – a narrow field of research
The research focuses on cellulose, dissolving pulp, derivatives, and regenerated cellulose. The intensity of research is high, and many now recognise the importance of cellulose as a raw material for circular transition, and it can be used for much more than just paper manufacturing. Among other things, cellulose can be used as a raw material for textile fibers, new materials, membranes, absorbents, motor fuel, new chemicals, and composite materials. There are still not that many people in the world researching this area, so with over 50 participants gathering at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ for the conference, the organisers were very pleased.
EXACT industrial graduate school for bio-based products
Several doctoral students from the new industrial graduate school EXACT attended the workshop and presented their current research studies. The industrial graduate school is a collaboration between ¹û¶³´«Ã½, eight companies, and several industry partners. The purpose of the graduate school is to combine knowledge of process technology and systems analysis with digitalisation expertise, in order to further the development of energy efficient, digitalised manufacturing processes and high-quality bio-based products.
– In two years we will gather again, in Örnsköldsvik, säger Björn Sjöstrand. Finally, I would like to extend a special thanks to Lixea in Kristinehamn for hosting this year’s study visit. I also want to express my gratitude to Maria Kull, the organisational committee, and everyone at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ who contributed to the success of this year’s conference.
This year’s sponsors included Domsjö Fabriker, RISE and Bio4energy.
