What ExpandFibre does

ExpandFibre was a Finland-based R&D collaboration ecosystem jointly established by Fortum and Metsä Group in October 2020 to accelerate the development of sustainable bioproducts from renewable straw and northern wood feedstocks. The platform orchestrated more than €140M of R&D activity, of which over €70M was provided by Business Finland under its veturi (leading company) funding mechanism, with €50M executed directly through Fortum and Metsä Group's own programmes. Operationally, ExpandFibre operated as a coordinating ecosystem rather than a commercial entity, connecting approximately 48 member organisations spanning research institutes, universities, large corporates, SMEs, and brand owners across the bioproduct value chain. Its technology portfolio aggregated multiple proprietary fractionation and conversion approaches — including VTT's membrane-based kraft lignin extraction, organosolv lignin processing, CH-Bioforce BLN-fractionation (which the source claims can fractionate 95% of biomass components), Chempolis Formico biosolvent technology, and Valmet's 3D Fiber molded-fibre platform — deployed across pilot facilities in Espoo, Raisio, and Värmland, Sweden, plus demonstration plants including Assam Biorefinery in India.

The platform's commercial model was structured around R&D collaboration rather than direct revenue generation. Funding flowed through coordinated project grants from Business Finland and EU sources (e.g., FOLD at ~€5.6M total, FurBio at €664K, SciSustain at €1.3M, BioCarbonValue at €1.2M) executed by member organisations, with ExpandFibre providing coordination, dissemination, and ecosystem management services. End-product commercialisation was pushed downstream to founding partners (notably Metsä Spring's Kuura textile fibre brand launched 2021) and to consortium members. The customer base therefore consisted of R&D collaborators and supply-chain partners rather than paying buyers, with target end-use segments spanning textiles and fashion, fibre-based packaging (positioned against EU SUP and PPWR regulation), chemicals and materials (particularly lignin valorisation into coatings, resins, carbon materials, and energy storage), and biocomposites for construction, automotive, and electronics. Activities in their original form ended in August 2024 when Business Finland's leading-company funding expired, with Metsä Group now leading a Transition Phase 2024–2025 that focuses on disseminating results and migrating members into parallel ecosystems (CLIC Innovation Bioeconomy, 4Recycling, and other Business Finland leading-company ecosystems) rather than onboarding new participants.

Name

ExpandFibre

Legal name

ExpandFibre

Website

https://expandfibre.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Closed

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ExpandFibre is a Finland-based R&D collaboration ecosystem co-led by Fortum and Metsä Group, developing sustainable bioproducts from straw and northern wood into textile fibres, packaging materials, biocomposites, and biochemicals, coordinated with Business Finland and 48+ ecosystem members.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Bioproducts R&D

NAICS

Pulp Mills (322110), Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (32522)

SIC

Pulp Mills (2611), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Papers & Allied Products (2600)

akta.pro primary industry

Bio-based Polymers & Bioplastics (e.g., PLA, PHA, bio-PE/PP/PET, PBS) (EUAAAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Biodegradable Fibers & Nonwovens (industrial textiles, wipes) (IMAEAOAG), Compostable & Bio-Based Packaging (PLA/PHA, Starch Blends, Cellulose Films) (IMALAMAB), Bio-based Platform & Commodity Chemicals (e.g., bio-ethylene, bio-propylene, bio-BTX, bio-methanol) (EUAAAIAA)

Keywords

• Biomass fractionation
• Sustainable bioproducts
• Cellulose-based films
• Lignin valorisation
• Biorefinery R&D

Headquarters

HQ city

Espoo

HQ country

Finland

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. R&D Collaboration and Ecosystem Services: ExpandFibre is an R&D collaboration ecosystem and innovation programme. It does not generate commercial revenue but facilitates joint R&D projects between members, co-funded by public sources like Business Finland. The ecosystem encompasses over 140 M€ worth of R&D steered towards developing sustainable bioproducts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ExpandFibre was an R&D collaboration and innovation ecosystem launched by Fortum and Metsä Group to accelerate the development of sustainable bioproducts. It focused on upgrading pulp fibres, hemicellulose, and lignin from renewable straw and Northern wood into novel bioproducts including textile fibres, bio-based packaging, biocomposites, and biochemicals, with significantly lower carbon footprint than fossil-based alternatives. The ecosystem and its member projects encompassed over €140 million of R&D, supported by more than €70 million in public funding from Business Finland.

Product overview

ExpandFibre is an R&D collaboration and innovation ecosystem launched by Fortum and Metsä Group, comprising the ExpandFibre Programmes (a 50 M€ co-funded R&D entity) and the ExpandFibre Ecosystem (connecting over 100 organizations). The ecosystem focuses on upgrading pulp fibres, hemicellulose, and lignin from renewable straw and northern wood into sustainable bioproducts. Key products include: (1) the ExpandFibre Programmes driving technology development for textile fibres and biomaterials; (2) Films for Future (F3) cellulose-based films and coatings for sustainable packaging; (3) FurBio furfural-derived resins and biocomposites; (4) Kraft lignin products for various applications; (5) sustainable bioproduct innovation frameworks through SciSustain; (6) bio-based textiles and fibres including the Kuura brand; and (7) biocomposite materials. The total R&D value exceeds 140 M€ with over 70 M€ public funding from Business Finland.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ExpandFibre Ecosystem Innovation ecosystem comprising 48+ member organisations (research institutes, universities, large industry, SMEs, brands, and clusters) collaborating on sustainable bioproducts from straw and Northern wood; activities in original form ended August 2024, with Metsä Group leading a Transition Phase 2024–2025.
• ExpandFibre Programmes €50M R&D entity launched and implemented by Fortum and Metsä Group and co-funded by Business Finland, focused on technologies to convert straw and pulp fibres into novel bioproducts such as textile fibres with significantly lower carbon footprint than fossil-based alternatives.
• Films for Future (F3) – Cellulose-based Films and Coatings Next-generation cellulose-based films and coatings developed as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics for food and consumer goods packaging, with barrier properties for oxygen, grease, and moisture, and validated at pilot scale by a consortium of over 30 partners.
• Furfural-derived Resins and Biocomposites (FurBio) Novel sulphur-bridged furfural-derived (SFA) resins and methyl ester building blocks for epoxy and vinyl ester resins, and biobased fibre-reinforced biocomposites, offering improved mechanical performance, adhesive strength, and thermal stability versus fossil-based DGEBA resins.
• SciSustain Science Translation Framework for Sustainable Bioproducts Multidisciplinary research framework designed to assess sustainable bio-based packaging innovations, suggest novel approaches for improving sustainability and circularity, support regulatory development, and accelerate commercialisation of bioproducts.
• Kuura Bio-based Textile Fibre Brand Bio-based textile fibre brand commercialising novel man-made cellulose fibres (MMCF) developed from renewable wood pulp via the ExpandFibre ecosystem, positioned for the textile and fashion industry to replace fossil-based and conventional fibres.

Quantifiable outcome

• Developed kraft lignin extraction with membrane filtration achieving successful results in energy storage applications
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and minor.

• FortumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2020Co-leading company of ExpandFibre ecosystem alongside Metsä Group. Fortum focuses on straw-based biomass fractionation and Bio2X business unit developing biorefinery projects using bamboo and straw feedstocks. Provided lignin-rich side streams from straw for SmartRecovery project.
• Metsä GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2020Co-leading company of ExpandFibre ecosystem alongside Fortum. Leads the ecosystem through Transition Phase 2024-2025. Includes Metsä Spring (innovation company), Metsä Fibre, and Metsä Board. Supplied lignin-rich side streams from wood for SmartRecovery project.
• VTT Technical Research Centre of FinlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey research partner coordinating SmartRecovery project and F3 (Films for Future) project. Provided membrane technology for kraft lignin recovery and cellulose-based films pilot line at VTT Bioruukki. Research partners include Miriam Kellock, Paavo Penttilä, Glen Pauls, and Ali Harlin.
• Aalto UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in SmartRecovery project with focus on lignin particle formation and characterisation using scattering methods. Led by Paavo Penttilä (Academy Research Fellow). Also coordinates FinnFiberColor and SciSustain projects.
• University of OulucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinator of FurBio project developing furfural-derived resins and biobased biocomposites. Led by Associate Professor Juha Heiskanen. Research unit of Sustainable Chemistry within Faculty of Technology.
• LUT UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint project coordinator with VTT for F3 (Films for Future) project. Packaging Technology research group provides expertise in packaging converting, testing and characterisation complementary to VTT's chemistry and physics focus.
• ANDRITZkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner in SmartRecovery consortium providing large scale technology solutions for lignin recovery. Represented by Elina Lohiniva (Business Development Director, Lignin). Leading company in BioCircleToZero Veturi R&D programme.
• LignEasykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrowing start-up providing groundbreaking lignin separation technology for kraft pulp mills. CEO Juho-Matti Karpale. Operating pilot facility at LignoCity in Värmland, Sweden. Also part of SciSustain project.
• ChempoliskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in FurBio project providing resource-efficient biomass conversion technologies (Formico). Fortum later became Chempolis. Represented by Hanne Wikberg (Product and Business Development Director) and Matti Sonck (Business Development Manager).
• Metsä SpringkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation company of Metsä Group participating in FurBio project. Represented by Eemeli Hytönen (R&D Manager). Focused on binder material in composite matrix and utilisation of Metsä Group side streams.
• BrightplusminorOthersOulu-based growth company involved in FurBio project accessing latest knowhow on furfural-derived resins and creating connections with other project partners.
• Inhan tehtaat (Inha Works Ltd.)minorOthersBoat manufacturer exploring more biobased materials for production of Yamarin boats. Part of FurBio consortium investigating flax fibre and recycled materials.
• WoodiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufactures wood-based composite materials as ecological alternative to ceramics and stone in bathroom and design applications. Valley Ventures portfolio company.
• ValmetkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology provider partner in F3 project. Developing high-capacity molded fiber production technology (Valmet 3D Fiber technology) with Metsä Group. Represented by Mervi Kuoppamäki and Mika Viljanmaa.
• Valmet's Beyond Circularity VeturikeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerSciSustain project linked to Valmet's Beyond Circularity ecosystem. Consortium brings together major biomaterial companies and key players within packaging value chain including Valmet, UPM, Stora Enso, Metsä Group.
• Åbo Akademi UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational collaboration partner with Prof. Chunlin Xu providing keynote on structure-property relationship in lignin for novel applications at lignin ecosystem event.
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational collaborator in FurBio project led by Prof. Mikael Hedenqvist. Supported researchers with polymer composite research and modelling of composite structures.
• University of Pisa (Italy)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational collaborator in FurBio project led by Prof. Andrea Lazzeri, specialising in composite research. Supported researchers for approximately two months of research.
• University of Luleå (Sweden)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwedish collaboration partner for FurBio next phase targeting Interreg funding, focusing on polymer composite research and modelling of composite structures.
• Tampere UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Numobio project developing single fibre testing using microrobotics for deeper understanding of fibre properties. Part of SUSTAFIT project consortium.
• ProSolveminorOthersIndustry partner in SmartRecovery consortium, one of the lignin end-users for novel application areas.
• Natural Element OyminorOthersIndustry partner in SmartRecovery consortium, one of the lignin end-users for novel application areas.
• MontinutraminorOthersFinnish company providing bioactive components from spruce sawdust for cosmetics, healthcare and functional food industries using pressurised hot water extraction.
• CH-BioforceminorOthersFinnish company with demonstration plant at Smart Chemistry Park in Raisio. BLN-fractionation technology capable of fractionating 95% of biomass components.
• 34 F3 Project PartnerskeyOthersAhlstrom, Berndorf Band, CMPC Ventures, Colombier Finland, Domtar, DS Smith, Fiber-X Finland, Fortum, General Mills, Graphic Packaging, Henkel, Joutsen Paino, Kelheim Fibres, Kemira, Klabin, Leipa Group, LIST Technology, Mega Cellulose, Metsä Board, MM Kotkamills, Neenah Gessner, Nordic Bioproducts Group, Paroprint, Philip Morris, Pixact, Solenis, Sulzer, Suominen, Suzano, Sylvamo, Unilever, UPM, Valmet, Yangi AB
• 17 SUSTAFIT Project CompaniesminorOthersFortum, Kemira, Lounais-Suomen Jätehuolto, Spinnova, Nordic Bioproducts Group, NordShield, Lixea, UPM, Valmet, Sulzer, Fiber-X, Anpap, SharpCell, Paptic, JedX Medcare, Mirka, Rester
• KemiraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner in ValCel project developing modified cellulose materials. Senior Principal Scientist Jonni Ahlgren involved in project steering group. Key expertise in developing functional chemicals.
• SpinverseminorOthersInnovation consulting company that manages ecosystem communication and open co-operation between Fortum, Metsä Group and ecosystem members.
• University of HelsinkiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in ValCel project alongside VTT and University of Oulu, focusing on fundamental research on modified cellulose materials.
• LAB University of Applied SciencesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint project partner with VTT in BioCarbonValue project developing bio-based carbon materials from agricultural sidestreams for energy storage, biocomposites, and purification.
• ElomaticminorOthersPlayed key role in design and building of successful demonstration production line for F3 project at VTT Bioruukki pilot centre.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Sappi: Global dissolving pulp and coated paper specialist with biomaterials and nanocellulose initiatives — directly comparable in cellulose chemistry and sustainable packaging focus.
• Stora Enso: Global forest products major with growing biomaterials, lignin and bio-based packaging businesses — an F3 ecosystem observer whose internal bioproduct programmes compete for the same end-markets as ExpandFibre outputs.
• Klabin: Brazilian integrated pulp and paper producer investing in sustainable packaging and bioproducts; an F3 consortium member representative of a large emerging-market incumbent in ExpandFibre's downstream packaging markets.
• Södra: Swedish forestry cooperative with a bioproducts division commercialising lignin-based products (e.g., BioOil, Lignoboost) — a Nordic broad-incumbent analogue to Fortum/Metsä-led activities.
• UPM: Finnish forest products group operating biorefining, biochemicals and biofuels businesses; an ecosystem member in the SciSustain/Valmet Beyond Circularity Veturi programme and a parallel bioproducts incumbent.

Emerging players

• Bloom Biorenewables: Swiss start-up developing high-performance bio-based materials from cellulosic feedstock, including substitutes for fossil-based polymers — close analogue to ExpandFibre's cellulose-based films and biobased resin themes.
• Lignin Industries: Austrian start-up (formerly Lignin Technologies) commercialising high-quality lignin for thermoplastics and resins — competing in the same lignin valorisation space as ExpandFibre's SmartRecovery/Kraft Lignin workstream.
• Anellotech: US start-up producing bio-based aromatic chemicals (BTX) from non-food biomass — analogous to ExpandFibre's lignin-to-aromatics and furfural-derived resin chemistry workstreams.

Direct peers

• Renmatix: US-based technology company commercialising supercritical hydrolysis for biomass fractionation into cellulosic sugars, lignin and other intermediates — overlapping directly with ExpandFibre's BLN/Formico biomass fractionation focus.
• Borregaard: Norwegian biorefinery company producing specialty lignin-based products, bioethanol and cellulose fibrils from wood; the closest commercial analogue to ExpandFibre's lignin valorisation and bio-based specialty chemicals workstream.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/metsagroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/metsa-group

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ExpandFibre