Resilient non-woven for the health care sector
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 000 000 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - April 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Net Zero industry - Program-specific efforts |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Increased resource efficiency and resilience, stage 1 |
Purpose and goal
The project aims to develop more sustainable alternatives by integrating recycled and renewable raw materials into non-woven products and improving their recyclability. By locating production within Sweden or nearby regions, the project aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil-based raw materials and strengthen the resilience of supply chains. The goal is sustainable non-woven healthcare products.
Expected effects and result
Identify and quantify the biggest obstacles to increased circularity and renewability for non-woven in healthcare and assist with conceptual solution proposals to bridge the obstacles. Planned GAP analysis/vulnerability analysis aims to raise awareness and determine what is missing to achieve a resilient flow. This will already then be made available to the industry´s development efforts. Start a purchasing guide for non-woven products and suggestions for improved design for recycling.
Planned approach and implementation
Mapping of non-woven products used in healthcare and how these are used, i.e. which are not classified as hazardous waste. Carry out a GAP analysis for a resilient material flow and what production capacity is available today. Test alternative raw materials for non-woven products to increase flexibility in the production chain and evaluation of the product quality. Suggestions for areas of use for the recycled non-woven material as well as design suggestions for improved recyclability.