Spinnova has appointed Valmet as the exclusive partner to supply process equipment to its technology customers and the two companies will work together to increase the competitiveness of the production technology by lowering the capital and operational costs of Spinnova fibre production.

Finland-based Spinnova has developed a patented technology for making textile fibres from wood pulp or waste, such as leather, textiles or agricultural cropping waste, without harmful dissolving chemicals.

The Spinnova technology creates no side streams in the fibre production process and the fibre has minimal CO2 emissions and water use, as well as being biodegradable and recyclable. It is based on a mechanical process which gives the fibre the look and feel of a natural cellulosic fibre such as cotton.

Valmet has previously supplied drying technology for Woodspin’s factory, a joint venture between Spinnova and Suzano.

“Working with Valmet will further accelerate our path to reach our technology goals and cost-competitiveness targets, while also opening up a new portfolio of potential technology customers who are already involved in material processing and pulping,” says Tuomas Oijala, Spinnova’s CEO.

“Valmet aspires to have a strong role in the revolution of the textile industry, and we support our customers’ journeys in converting renewable resources into sustainable results,” adds Petri Rasinmäki, predident of Valmet’s paper business. “We are extremely happy to continue our collaboration with Spinnova, leveraging our expertise and expanding our presence in the textile industry.”

The exclusivity is limited in time and scope and includes an exclusivity fee based on realised project deliveries. Spinnova does not expect this to have a material impact on its 2024 financials.

www.spinnova.com