Now, together with Arctic Paper, Gevalia and SSAB, looking for circular solutions from around the world.
Dalarna Science Park is now launching a circular industry accelerator, a multi-year initiative that will contribute to increased circularity and sustainability.
- Many industries have large residual streams that could be transformed into new products and services or become part of new processes. The potential is huge," says Cecilia Carter, project manager.
In Dalarna Science Park's circular industry accelerator, industries will be linked with companies that have circular solutions, both start-ups and established, during a 6-9 month development program. The goal is to create long-term collaborations that provide value for all parties and at the same time contribute to sustainable development in the form of increased circularity.
- As we all know, our planet is in a critical situation. We need to be much more careful with resources while reducing the amount of waste, thus becoming more circular," says Maria Edling Hansson, sustainability expert.
Arctic Paper, Gevalia and SSAB participate
In addition to being used for existing products and activities, industrial waste streams can also lead to new, sustainable solutions that in turn can strengthen the economy and contribute to more green jobs. Arctic Paper, Gevalia and SSAB are already ready for the first round and now it is time to recruit the companies that will utilize their residual streams of, for example, sludge, coffee beans, grinding wool and glow shells.Within the framework of the development program, these companies will receive support from Dalarna Science Park's business developers, sustainability specialists and innovation leaders. They will also have access to testing environments, researchers, experts and international networks.
Mia Eriksson, Site and Production Manager at SSAB in Borlänge, is excited and looking forward to letting other actors benefit from the company's residual streams.
- We are in the midst of our transition to fossil-free production and sustainability work is really central to everything we do. We have already been working with residual streams for many years. Now it will be exciting to see in what other ways our residual streams can be used in the future.
Hopes are also high at Arctic Paper in Grycksbo and Gevalia in Gävle.
- The program gives us the opportunity to start new innovative collaborations with companies all over the world, so this feels very exciting, says Kent Blom, CEO of Arctic Paper Grycksbo and is supported by Jimmy Westin, who is responsible for safety, health and environment at Gevalia.
- Absolutely! Both exciting and important. At Gevalia, we are constantly working to reduce our environmental impact, so taking care of the residual streams is fully in line with everything we stand for.
International competition for places
Recruitment is both national and international, which means that industries in Dalarna and Gävleborg may be linked to innovative start-ups in India and China, for example.
- That's absolutely the case. We work to ensure that our industries get the most out of the collaboration and thanks to our links with other science parks around the world, we reach a lot of potential participants," says Cecilia.
The program is expected to start in the fall of 2024, but Cecilia warns that the places may be filled before then.
- We know that there is great interest and that we have an attractive offer.
More information and registration of interest
Circular Industry Accelerator - Dalarna Science Park
The project is funded by the European Regional Fund and Region Dalarna.
