​NordicBio creating circular textiles for Nordic healthcare

The main purpose of the project NordicBio (Circular NordicBio Non-woven in MedTech Application) is to replace synthetic disposable products with bio- and circular economy materials for hospital textile applications.

The objective is to create a new material made from recycled textiles to replace fossil-based materials in disposable products such as bed sheets, gowns, covers and wipes, widely used in healthcare industry today. In order to accomplish this, the project will need to explore new methods for cleaning textile as well as for producing non-woven materials. The aim is to create stronger and softer material than their preceding materials were. If the introduction of mechanically recycled fibers can be accepted for use in hospitals, they are believed to be generally accepted everywhere.

Safe, efficient and sustainable products

Providers of healthcare services are currently consuming great quantities of disposable products due to their superior functional abilities. Today these products are mainly manufactured out of fossil-based plastic materials, which are disposed of and incinerated after used. Therefore, there is a need to switch to circular materials. It is crucial to maintain the hygienic qualities of the materials currently used, but at the same time significantly improve the environmental performance. The new materials can be biodegradable, reusable and renewable depending on the material specifications.

Unique Nordic collaboration

The project NordicBio is unique in its setting as a Nordic collaboration between Finland and Sweden. The 1,5-year project has got funding from Vinnova through Bioinnovation and Business Finland.

Stakeholders in Finland:

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd

Pure Waste Textile Oy

Stakeholders in Sweden:

Wargön Innovation

RISE IVF AB

Stockholm Läns Landsting (SLL)

Fiber-X AB

Sporda Nonwoven AB

Cellcomb AB