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VIOBOND project’s biorefinery foundations completed

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Representatives from the CBE JU Programme Office participated today in the celebration marking a major milestone for the CBE JU-funded VIOBOND flagship project: the completion of the foundations for its biorefinery. Located in Riga, Latvia, this facility will be the first commercially viable bio-based resin plant in Europe, with an anticipated annual production capacity of approximately 45,000 tonnes. By promoting the use of renewable construction and interior design materials, the plant will help reducing fossil dependency of several strategic industrial sectors in Europe. The start of the production at the biorefinery is planned for 2026.

Foundations laid for boosting pioneering circular industries

Virginia Puzzolo, Head of the CBE JU Programme Unit, highlighted VIOBOND’s contribution to sustainable growth in the EU:

‘Today, we are marking an important milestone in Europe’s shift to sustainable production and consumption, especially in the construction sector. The innovative bio-based resins to be made at the future VIOBOND biorefinery will enable the production of safer and more sustainable construction and interior design materials, with an important positive impact on consumer wellbeing. This project will also considerably increase the value of lignin, boosting the local economy and pioneering circular industrial solutions in the Baltic region.’

Armands Krauze, Latvian Minister for Agriculture, stressed the social and economic value that the biorefinery will bring to the primary producers and entrepreneurs across regions:

‘The international research collaboration project VIOBOND is where I see sustainability and the economy interacting in a meaningful and forward-looking way. I am particularly proud of the leadership and experience of Latvijas Finieris in bringing together eight partners from five EU Member States. Congratulations to the team!’

 

Kaspars Melnis, Latvian Minister for Climate and Energy, highlighted how VIOBOND’s innovative technologies, along with other circular industries, will enable Europe’s green growth.

'Latvia is known for its renewable resources, and we can pioneer a factory that will increase the value of their use. New, knowledge-based technologies that make Latvia independent from imported resources are a way to strengthen our economic potential, build muscle in export markets and gain a competitive advantage. We can be proud that you are going for your dreams, and I am looking forward to your new project.'

Jurģis Miezainis, Parliamentary Secretary and Ministry for Economy, added:

‘Latvia's wealth and advantages in the world have always been linked to a sustainable exploitation of our natural products. Today’s event proves that we can build upon our strong points and find new products that add value and bring benefits to our country. VIOBOND is a brave and necessary project.’

Jānis Ciems, CEO of Latvijas Finieris, the project coordinator, said:

‘We have reached the level of knowledge and expertise to replace fossil-based ingredients with bio-based ones. This is, however, only possible through a strong collaboration with research organisations, the European Union, and stakeholders in our sector. I am sure that with the help of the EU and our industrial partners, we are opening the door to the future.’

 

Lignin at the heart of the VIOBOND concept

The wood component lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer on earth after cellulose. It is also a by-product in the wood processing industries. Currently, lignin is predominantly burned as fuel for heat and power, with less than 2% being used in high-value applications.

The VIOBOND project aims to increase the value of lignin at least five-fold by upcycling it as a substitute for fossil-based and harmful phenol and formaldehyde in producing innovative bio-based resins at a commercial scale. Resins are extremely versatile polymers with many applications, such as adhesive in plywood panels and sandpaper, or as binder in coating and insulation. Currently, these resins involve fossil-origin production routes, with harmful effects on human health and the environment. The project’s ultimate goal is to create safer and more sustainable consumer products for the construction and interior design industries while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting circular bio-based production and consumption in Europe.

 

‘Go for bio-based!’ CBE JU tells future generations

The high point of today’s celebration was embedding a sealed time capsule in the biorefinery’s foundations. This Latvian tradition allowed CBE JU to place a token with the slogan ‘Go for bio-based’ as a message to future generations. 

The slogan drove the CBE JU’s campaign on bio-based products showcasing a wide range of innovative bio-based solutions available in local shops and supermarkets across the EU. ‘I am looking forward to buying products derived from the VIOBOND project in the near future in the BRICO - my local hardware store in Belgium,’ said Virginia Puzzolo during the embedding ceremony.

 

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