Actualités
End of the BIO4 Project: new prospects for Fibre Excellence
After nearly four years of effort, the BIO4 project has officially been completed, crowning an ambitious endeavour led by our Research and Development (R&D) teams.
This successful milestone illustrates the Group's ability to innovate sustainably and fully utilise natural resources derived from wood.
A strategic project to diversify our resources and accelerate our ecological transition
Since the end of 2021, BIO4 has set itself the goal of producing and marketing sugars extracted from cellulose derived from our industrial kraft processes. These sugars, obtained through a combination of specific enzymes and advanced purification techniques, are extremely pure.
They are a renewable raw material of growing interest for white biotechnology. White biotechnology uses microorganisms to create bioplastics, biofuels such as bioethanol, and ingredients for green chemistry and cosmetics.
Supported by ADEME's Future Investment Programme, this project was carried out in close collaboration with renowned partners, including INSA and CNRS on the research side, and Roquette, Arbiom, Seppic and Minakem on the industrial side. This synergistic work has made it possible to combine scientific theory, industrial application and market vision.
The success of BIO4 is also based on cross-functional internal collaboration, mobilising the R&D, Production and Marketing teams.
A rigorous approach to guaranteeing the reliability of research
The BIO4 project was conducted within a methodical framework, incorporating industrial testing phases aimed at producing high-quality sugars in significant quantities.
Validations carried out by our industrial partners confirmed that the extracted sugars meet their technical and quality requirements, paving the way for their integration into innovative value chains.
In addition, a comprehensive environmental impact analysis was carried out to ensure the viability and sustainability of the process. Reducing the carbon footprint and controlling the use of resources are at the heart of this approach, in line with the Group's environmental commitments. To find out more about our commitments, visit our dedicated page.
What is Research and Development (R&D) at Fibre Excellence?
At Fibre Excellence, the mission of R&D is to bring new products to market in order to diversify the business. The teams carry out innovative projects by exploring new applications for under-exploited wood components in order to create sustainable products.
R&D supports Fibre Excellence entities in developing new markets and solutions, thereby contributing to the Group's sustainable growth.
Find all the details in the sections of the website: Our R&D missions and R&D projects.
Promising prospects for short-term commercialisation
The skills and expertise acquired during the BIO4 project are already being put to use to explore new opportunities. A collaboration with a French producer of cosmetic ingredients, which requires very high purity standards, is underway, illustrating the adaptability of our bio-based sugars to specialised markets.
If the trials are successful, this innovation could very soon lead to short-term commercialisation, enriching Fibre Excellence's offering with high value-added bio-based products.
