CONSORTIUM

The SAUNA project involves 11 partners, contributing from 7 different countries: 10 Beneficiaries (including the coordinator, VTT), 1 Affiliated Entity.

Finland (FI): Represented by the coordinator, TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY (VTT), STORA ENSO OYJ (SE), AALTO KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR (AALTO), and ANDRITZ OY (ANDRITZ).
Belgium (BE): Represented by VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK N.V. (VITO).
Türkiye (TR): Represented by KASTAMONU ENTEGRE AGAC SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI (KEAS).
Sweden (SE): Represented by the affiliated entity STORA ENSO AB (SE-SWE), which is linked to STORA ENSO OYJ.
Norway (NO): Represented by SINTEF AS (SINTEF).
Spain (ES): Represented by UNIVERSIDAD DE VALLADOLID (UVA) and IDENER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AGRUPACION DE INTERES ECONOMICO (IDENER).
Italy (IT): Represented by RINA CONSULTING SPA (RINA-C)

the partners

VTT

Coordinator of the project. VTT is an RTO focusing on Carbon neutral solutions, Sustainable products and materials, and Digital technologies. It contributes expertise in hydrolysis and alkaline oxidation (WP3 lead), process design (WP2), and fibre characterisation (WP4). VTT utilizes the VTT Bioruukki piloting facilities for biorefinery concept development.

UVa

UVa is a higher education institution with a strong commitment to research and innovation, particularly through its Bioeconomy Research Institute (BioEcoUVa). Its Press-Tech research group has high-pressure research facilities and expertise in supercritical water research, biorefineries, and wet air oxidation. UVa leads the development of wet air oxidation technology (T3.4)

SINTEF

One of Europe's largest independent research organizations, specializing in materials/nano-technology, chemistry, biotechnology, and environmental sciences. SINTEF has comprehensive competence in process modelling, optimization, simulation, chemical engineering, and catalysis. SINTEF leads WP2 (Concept design) and WP6 (Feasibility and environmental performance).

VITO

Leading independent research organization focusing on market-ready products and processes in sustainable chemistry and bioeconomy. VITO has specific expertise in advanced cross-flow membrane separation technology and lignin valorisation. VITO contributes expertise in membrane separation for lignin and hemicellulose recovery (WP3) and advanced characterization, benchmarking, and application testing of these products (WP4 lead).

IDENER

A research entity specializing in digital solutions for optimizing sustainable processes. IDENER uses an extended interpretation of AI, fusing machine learning, systems modelling, advanced control, and mathematical optimization. IDENER leads WP5 (Monitoring and digital tools).

ANDRITZ

International technology group and a global market leader in four business areas, including Pulp & Paper. ANDRITZ offers innovative plants, equipment, systems, and services. They provide expertise on industrial scaling, plant design, and equipment supply for the new biorefinery concept.

KEAS

Global company in the forestry and wood-based panel sector, manufacturing particleboards, MDF, flooring, etc.. KEAS operates an R&D centre and is involved in supplying wood residue feedstock (T3.1) and testing pulp, lignin, and hemicellulose products for use as resin additives in MDF.

RINA

A large engineering consultancy company with extensive experience in sustainability and decarbonization of industrial processes. RINA-C leads WP7 (Communication, dissemination and exploitation) and is responsible for developing the project's exploitation strategy and sound business plan.

AALTO

A large university, with the School of Chemical Engineering (CHEM) hosting high-level researchers. Aalto leads the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) component of the project (T6.2), focusing on translating research to commercialization using techno-economic, environmental, and circularity indicators.

SE

Global company focused on wood and biomass solutions, leading in the bioeconomy and renewable products. SE and its affiliated entity (SE-SWE) contribute industrial perspective and expertise related to pulp production, sustainable forestry, and material efficiency. SE is involved in supplying wood residue feedstock (T3.1) and testing pulp applications (T4.1 lead for pulp evaluation).

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!