The discussion centered around potential cooperation and introduction of emerging green chemistry technologies for the deep processing of wood in Karelia. It is a good example of collaboration between stakeholders in implementing priority sci-tech developments endorsed by Russian Presidential Decree No. 529 of June 18, 2024.
A technology for electrochemical processing of wood wastes into microcrystalline cellulose and new wood chemicals was presented at the meeting. It was developed by LLC Tekhnologii Vtorichnogo Syr’ya (Secondary Raw Materials Technologies) in partnership with the KarRC RAS Institute of Economics, which prepared the feasibility study, conducted the market analysis, and provides expert serves.
The new development could evolve into a pilot project in the framework of the national project "Technological Support for the Bioeconomy". The discussion participants agreed to conduct initial testing of the technology. This could become the first practical step from concept to industrial implementation.
– The project’s key potential outcomes could be an expanded product range of JSC Kondopoga PPM, a unique applied technology designed jointly by inventors from the All-Russian Society of Inventors and Innovators and KarRC RAS scientific divisions, and ties established with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Industrial Development Fund of the Republic of Karelia, – noted Doctor of Economics Sergey Tishkov.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue negotiations on setting up laboratory-based R&D work, designing pilot-scale equipment, and developing a feasibility study for rolling out the technology.
The participants expressed the opinion that such meetings are crucial for consolidating expertise and strengthening the region's potential.