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Writer's pictureJoan Ubide

Innovation in green transition: Biobased products from Innomost


Innovation in green transition: Biobased products from Innomost
Innovation in green transition: Biobased products from Innomost

Sustainability is a critical global focus as the world seeks to address the urgent environmental challenges of our time. With the increasing awareness of the need for sustainable development, industries and companies are taking decisive steps towards integrating eco-friendly solutions into their business models. Innomost, a pioneering company based in Kokkola, Finland, is at the forefront of this movement, driving the green transition with cutting-edge technology and innovative biobased products.


By upcycling forest industry side streams, such as birch bark, Innomost transforms these materials into high-performing alternatives to fossil-based products. Their mission aligns with the global goals of sustainability, environmental protection, climate action, and economic equality, showcasing the power of green innovation to drive business success and environmental impact reduction.

 

Pioneering sustainability through the circular economy


The concept of the circular economy is central to Innomost's operations. In a traditional linear economy, raw materials are extracted, used, and discarded as waste, leading to significant environmental degradation. In contrast, the circular economy focuses on minimizing waste and maximising the use of resources through recycling, reuse, and upcycling. Innomost’s approach exemplifies the potential of circularity by upcycling birch bark, a natural byproduct of forest industries, into valuable materials that can be used in a wide range of products across different industries.


The company’s patented technology allows it to extract high-performance biobased ingredients, such as Barkinno™ Birch Bark Powder, Betuinno™ Betulin, and Suberinno™ Suberin, offering sustainable alternatives to environmentally harmful ingredients. These innovative products can be applied in various fields, including cosmetics, personal care, adhesives, coatings, and paints, making them essential in industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to more sustainable practices.


Innomost’s process is designed to be energy-efficient, reducing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing. By using forest industry side streams, the company ensures that no deforestation is necessary, as birch bark is a renewable resource. The company’s commitment to carbon neutrality throughout the production process further solidifies its role as a leader in sustainable innovation.

 

Transforming birch bark into high-performance materials


At the heart of Innomost’s innovation lies birch bark, a material that is not only abundant but also exceptionally strong, flexible, and rich in natural properties. The company harnesses these characteristics through its patented production process, which transforms birch bark waste into highly functional, renewable materials.


●      Betulin, extracted from the white bark of birch trees, is a naturally occurring triterpenoid with numerous applications, particularly in the cosmetics and personal care industries. Betulin is known for its hydrophobicity, meaning it repels water, making it an ideal ingredient for moisture-resistant products. Its thermal stability and durability make it suitable for various other applications, including adhesives and paints. Betulin also boasts powerful antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from free radicals, and it has been scientifically proven to promote anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in skin healing and reducing irritation.



Betulin
Betulin

●      Suberin, another key ingredient derived from birch bark, is a complex polyester composed of fatty acids. Known for its natural hydrophobic properties, Suberin is increasingly used in the development of biodegradable coatings. Its durability and impact resistance make it an excellent alternative to synthetic, environmentally damaging coatings.


●      Barkinno™ Birch Bark Powder, a finely processed biobased powder, provides a biodegradable alternative to microplastics in personal care and cosmetics formulations. It serves as a natural, non-toxic ingredient for deep cleansing and exfoliation, aligning perfectly with the growing demand for eco-friendly personal care products. It is also suitable for use in natural cosmetics, as it is COSMOS-certified, ensuring that it meets the highest environmental and ethical standards.



Innomost products


The company's proprietary process ensures that these ingredients are highly pure, with Betulin reaching 99% purity and the other products demonstrating excellent performance in their respective applications. This high level of purity and efficiency not only supports sustainability but also meets the stringent standards required by industries, which demand both performance and environmental responsibility.

 

The role of science and innovation in sustainability


The integration of science and technology is a driving force behind Innomost’s ability to produce high-performance, sustainable products. The company’s research and development efforts, led by PhD in Chemistry Sami Selkälä, are rooted in a strong scientific foundation. The patented production process is based on advanced chemical and industrial techniques that allow birch bark, a natural waste product, to be efficiently upcycled into valuable, high-performance materials.


This combination of scientific innovation and sustainable practices is essential for achieving the global goals, particularly in areas such as climate action, economic equality, and environmental protection. By focusing on renewable resources and reducing reliance on fossil-based materials, Innomost not only addresses pressing environmental concerns but also helps businesses transition to greener, more sustainable models.


For example, the use of biobased products such as Betulin, Suberin, and Barkinno™ can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of industries reliant on traditional, fossil-based ingredients. By replacing harmful chemicals with renewable materials, these industries contribute to the global movement towards sustainable development and climate action. Furthermore, the use of certified forest industry side streams ensures that the raw materials are sourced responsibly, without contributing to deforestation or environmental degradation.

 

Innomost’s global impact: A case study in the green transition


Innomost’s work is not just a theoretical model but a practical example of how businesses can lead the way in achieving global sustainability goals. The company’s collaboration with Metsä Group, one of Europe’s largest birch processors, ensures a steady supply of sustainably sourced birch bark, making it a leader in Betulin production in Europe. This partnership highlights the power of global collaboration in addressing complex environmental challenges.


The company’s commitment to traceability ensures that every product is fully transparent, allowing businesses and consumers alike to know the origin of the materials used. This commitment to transparency and responsible sourcing supports the goals of economic equality, as it ensures fair practices throughout the supply chain and promotes sustainability across industries.

 

As consumer demand for sustainable products continues to rise, Innomost is positioning itself as a leader in green innovation, advancing the circular economy and driving the transition to a greener and more sustainable future. Through continuous scientific innovation, the company is working to create products that not only meet the needs of today’s industries but also contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow.


By leveraging biobased materials and upcycled waste, Innomost is making significant strides toward achieving the global goals of sustainability, climate action, and environmental protection. As we move forward, the need for sustainable, high-performance materials will only grow, and Innomost’s innovative solutions offer a glimpse into the future of sustainable development.

 

Innomost’s success story is a testament to the power of science, innovation, and global collaboration in achieving the global goals. By upcycling forest industry side streams and creating biobased products with minimal environmental impact, Innomost is helping businesses transition to more sustainable practices while supporting a greener, more equitable future.


The company’s commitment to sustainability, traceability, and carbon neutrality exemplifies the role of the global society in tackling climate change and advancing economic equality. As we continue to innovate and collaborate across borders, companies like Innomost are paving the way for a future where nature and business work in harmony for the benefit of the planet and future generations.


For further insights into Innomost's contributions to sustainability and innovation, visit Innomost's website.

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