JYVÄSKYLÄ - Spinnova has teamed up with technology supplier Siemens to help scale up fibre production at Woodspin, its joint venture with pulp manufacturer, Suzano.
The deal will see the installation of Siemens Xcelerator automation and software systems which is designed to help Spinnova scale up manufacturing, reduce time to market, and increase operational efficiency.
Spinnova's patented technology creates biodegradable and recyclable fibre out of wood pulp or waste, such as leather, textile or agricultural cropping waste, without harmful dissolving chemicals and with minimal CO2 emissions and water use.
Although it recently announced a delay in the new Woodspin plant, which will be owned and operated by Suzano, once operational, it is expected to produce an initial 20,000 tonnes per year of Spinnova fibre.
Eryn Devola, head of sustainability at Siemens Digital Industries, explained: “With their unique technology, based on circularity, Spinnova is setting a new standard for environmental sustainability in the textile industry.
“Our Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, our know-how and global network are helping Spinnova scale, reduce time to market, and increase operational efficiency.”
During the development stage, the Woodspin factory was simulated using a virtual ‘digital twin’ with plant simulation for operations, material flow, ‘what if-scenarios’ and identification of bottlenecks.
The digital twin was also used to speed up, optimise and coordinate the research and development of Spinnova’s raw material base using Siemens’ Opcenter software, which is said to ensure consistent quality from raw material to finished fibre.
The automation system, meanwhile, is based on Siemens’ ‘totally integrated automation’ concept, which integrates line control, safety technology, end-to-end diagnostics, drives, and field devices in a unified platform.
Also in use is Siemens’s ‘industrial edge’ system, which allows Spinnova to collect, process and send operational data to the cloud for analysis in order to track key performance indicators such as energy consumption and provide transparency to customers and partners.
Tuomas Oijala, CEO of Spinnova, added: “Working with Siemens has transformed how we approach manufacturing. Their technological expertise has enabled us to ramp up production quickly and brings credibility to our mission.
“This collaboration isn’t just about advancing technology; it’s also paving the way for a sustainable future in the textile industry.”
Spinnova announced last year that it was changing its business model to focus on licensing its technology to other companies rather than investing in its own fibre production.
