Kiekko-Espoo’s fan merchandise store was opened in the autumn of 2024. The store was globally the first commercial-scale shop environment, where AMP Yhtiöt utilized sustainably produced plywood that used an environmentally friendly, lignin-based glue. How was this achieved and what was our role in the process?
The collaboration between Chempolis and AMP began over a year ago with a shared commitment to fostering a greener future and advancing circularity. AMP Yhtiöt, a Finnish service contractor specializing in interior construction, is focusing on addressing environmental challenges within its industry. The operations and products of AMP are centred around easy maintenance, recyclability and long life cycles. With shared sustainability goals, we are pleased to present the first tangible results of our collaboration.
AMP Yhtiöt designed and produced the furniture for the new fan merchandise store of the Finnish hockey club Kiekko-Espoo. The cashier counter and middle counter were constructed using birch plywood glued with sustainable lignin-based glue. The lignin used in the glue was derived from wheat straw, an agricultural byproduct, and produced at Chempolis’ pilot plant in Oulu, Finland.
Leveraging networks and pilot infrastructure
The wheat straw used in the furniture was sourced from the southwestern region of Finland. Following the harvest, the straw was transported to our pilot plant in Oulu, where lignin was extracted as a high-value, sustainable component for the glue formulation.
Subsequently, the lignin was transported to Latvia. There, it was delivered to our partner Latvijas Finieris, a leading plywood manufacturer in the Baltic States, to first make the glue and then the plywood. This international collaboration highlights the strength of our extensive network, with both Latvijas Finieris and Chempolis being members of the EU-funded VIOBOND consortium project aiming for taking significant commercialization steps with lignin.
Traditionally, the glue used in plywood is made of fossil-based phenol and formaldehyde. By replacing a significant amount of the phenol with straw-based lignin, the environmental stress of the glue is greatly decreased. And of course, the plywood’s handling and performance are as good as its traditional counterpart, which was also proven by AMP in manufacturing the furniture.
“The collaboration with Chempolis has been excellent, and the project progressed as planned. We are very satisfied that the final product’s quality and functionality fully match traditional alternatives while offering a more environmentally friendly solution. It has been great to be part of this development work and to bring sustainable materials into commercial furniture concepts”, says Sami Niemi, Head of Furniture Business at AMP Yhtiöt Oy.
This exemplifies Chempolis’ capabilities in supporting companies across various industries to take tangible steps towards a more sustainable future. In this case, we successfully produced several hundred kilograms of sustainable high-quality lignin for Latvijas Finieris, facilitating large-scale glue production and plywood manufacturing. Chempolis’ pilot plant in Oulu possesses the expertise and infrastructure to assist partners in their sustainability efforts, particularly in pilot-scale operations. With our extensive network, we are well-positioned to support a wide range of companies throughout the value chain. Read more about our OPEN concept from our release.
For further information, please contact:
Keijo Hytönen, General Manager Oulu Site, Chempolis Oy
Tel. +358 40 847 6529
keijo.hytonen(at)chempolis.com
Chempolis in brief
Chempolis’ formico®-technologies enable the production of high-quality products, such as bioethanol, biochemicals and sulfur-free lignin, sustainably out of lignocellulosic feedstocks. The process utilizes an extensive range of lignocellulosic biomasses in a flexible manner, with high material efficiency.
The biorefining processes of Chempolis are designed to minimize negative environmental impacts and maximize social benefits globally. Chempolis’ services entail biorefinery project development, technology licensing, project and application development. The company also offers biorefinery piloting services.