The forest industry is an important source for economic growth and employment worldwide. In Sweden, forest based products account for more than 30 % of the total net export. Yet, forestry and the forest industry is facing major challenges, primarily because of the sharp decline in sales of newsprint and printing paper.
To meet this challenge the forest-related industry needs to develop new products to replace the old ones.
Based on the opportunities created by new materials concepts and the available wood biomass there is great potential for the development of advanced bio-based materials and products in Sweden.
Examples of possible applications are: 3D printers, textile, transportation, hygiene products, electronic products, smart windows, insulation, filters, self-repairing / cleaning and medical materials.
Japan, like Sweden, has a large forest industry and has invested heavily in R&D to meet the challenges of the future. What could Sweden learn from Japan? Welcome to a seminar to learn more about research and development in the forest sector in Japan and what strategies the Japanese government has chosen for the future.
Speakers
Professor Hiroyuki Yano, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University
The future direction of bio-based materials inspired by nano- to micro-structures in plants
Prof. Dr. Masayoshi Watanabe, Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Strategy to create advanced biomass industry
Commentaries
Professor Lars Berglund, Royal institute of Technology (KTH) – Academic perspective
Tom Lindström, Innventia – Industrial perspective
Representative from the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation (TBD) – Political perspective
Moderator
Professor Mikael Lindström, Dean School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Royal institute of Technology (KTH)
