The InnoRenew CoE is project coordinator of “Selective extraction of high value molecules from forest products processing residues in the speciality chemicals sector”, one of the institute’s newly acquired projects financed by the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS).

Researchers organized a kick-off meeting to start work on the project. All participants, including partners Institut “Jožef Stefan”, ARHEL d.o.o., University of Ljubljana – Faculty of Pharmacy and University of Primorska – Andrej Marušič Institute, joined the event.

Dr Kelly Petters, InnoRenew CoE researcher, presented the project and all work packages in detail at the meeting, which served as a good starting point to get to know all participants, understand who is responsible for each task, and discuss potential problems.

The project will develop a methodology for accessing valuable polyphenols from wet and dry debarking processes, thus adding value to toxic waste materials.

The pulp and paper industries produce huge quantities of bark during primary processing activities, which reduces the quality of wood products and is therefore removed. In the process of removal, a toxic water is formed which is harmful to the environment and human health. The resulting bioactive compounds include polyphenols, which can be used in research programs to potentially prevent coronary heart disease, cancer and HIV.

Project results will greatly benefit Slovene and European forest-based industries currently using wet and dry debarking processes and handling the associated waste.