Research & Development

AustroCel’s innovative strength is rooted in the pioneering spirit of our employees. Our international research team applies scientific expertise to develop resource efficient cutting-edge pulp specialty and biorefinery products.

Innovation as a team task

In the context of research and development, Austrocel is in close dialogue with universities and innovative start-ups. One of these innovative start-ups is Agrobiogel GmbH.

At AustroCel Hallein, an international team of experts from the fields of chemistry, biotechnology and process engineering is driving the vision of the Biorefinery forward with curiosity and creativity. With the clear aim of developing creative, innovative ideas into industrially scalable products.

Advanced know how in pulp processing

One focus is on the optimisation of pulp and sustainable processes to reduce the use of water and chemicals while improving resource efficiency.

Work is also being done to expand the range of customized, high-quality Bioperformance products, in which all by-products are processed with a zero waste approach.

In this way, research is advancing the vision of a fully sustainable biorefinery as we use wood down to the last fiber and beyond.

Embarking on new paths

The R&D team is exploring industrial pathways to innovations, including the use of lignin from brown Liquor to replace petroleum-based products, and is opening new avenues for highly efficient bioethanol production. Biogenic CO₂ from fermentation also holds industrial value and is promising access to new product routes. We focus on refining our recovery processes, for example by optimizing wastewater treatment, including biogas and energy production.

“With this vision in mind, AustroCel’s R&D team continues to strive for innovative solutions that advance the principles of the circular economy and bioeconomy, our innovation hub is making a sustainable contribution to a resource-efficient future.”

Dr. Christian Hutterer

Head of R&D

More about our Bioproducts