Circular Bioeconomy
“Circular economy as an industrial economy that is restorative or regenerative by value and design”
– How the Ellen MacArthur Foundation defines the circular economy
1
Carbon Absorption – Teaming Up with Photosynthesis
Nature lays the foundation for PaperShell’s circular system. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere, converting it into biomass. This natural carbon capture process reduces greenhouse gases while supporting ecosystems. PaperShell aims that this captured carbon remains stored in long-lasting materials, preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere.
2
Residue Transformation – Upcycling Industrial Byproducts
PaperShell’s raw material utilises residues from the forest and packaging industries — wood chips, sawdust, and offcuts that would otherwise be turned into short-lived products or waste. These residues are refined into kraft paper pulp, keeping valuable resources in circulation.
3
PaperShell Kraft Paper – Impregnated with Biobinder
The kraft paper pulp is further processed into kraft paper rolls, forming the base material for PaperShell’s production. At this stage, the paper is pre-impregnated with our proprietary biobinder, ensuring a 100% biogenic composition.
4
Paper In – Product Out
This pre-impregnated kraft paper serves as the raw input material for PaperShell’s fully automated production lines. The kraft paper is cut, stacked and compressed under heat and pressure, transforming it into 100% biogenic components without compromising on strength and durability.
5
Use and Reuse Phase
PaperShell components enter their intended applications, replacing fossil-based and carbon intensive materials across industries such as automotive, furniture, and architecture. Their durability and functional performance ensure a long lifespan, making them a viable ecological alternative for climate negative materials.
6
Closing the Loop – Biochar conversion
At the end of their lifecycle, PaperShell components can be transformed into biochar through pyrolysis – a thermal decomposition process that breaks down organic materials at high temperatures in an oxygen-limited environment. This effectively locks the carbon content of PaperShell components into high quality biochar.
7
Return to Life – Enhancing Soil Health
This biochar produced from PaperShell components becomes a valuable soil enhancer, improving water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. It becomes a hotel for beneficial microbes and mycelium. When integrated into agricultural or forestry soils, it can support plant growth, enhance biodiversity, and increase long-term carbon storage, contributing to healthier, more resilient ecosystems.
Consultation regarding environmental permit for PaperShell’s expanded operations in Tibro
PaperShell AB (“PaperShell”) develops and produces moulded, fibre-based biomaterials. The company intends to apply for a permit pursuant to Chapter 9 of the Swedish Environmental Code for increased production at the company’s facility located within the properties Sekretären 4 (existing) and Sekretären 5 (additional) in Tibro.
Production will be expanded to a maximum of 17,500 m³ of finished product per year and will include, among other things, impregnation processes and the production of biochar. The operations are subject to a permit requirement and are also covered by the Industrial Emissions Ordinance (2013:250). Where necessary, the permit application will also include requests for the required exemptions.
Because the operations may be assumed to result in significant environmental impact, PaperShell invites the public and other stakeholders to participate in a scoping consultation in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Swedish Environmental Code. The purpose is to inform and obtain views on the location, scope and environmental effects of the operations, as well as on the content of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that will be prepared.
The main environmental effects are assessed to relate to noise, transport, energy consumption, emissions to air, accident risks, and impacts on natural values in connection with the development of the site.
A consultation document describing the plans is available here and can also be requested via samrad@geosyntec.com.
Participate in the consultation
Open consultation meeting
An open consultation meeting will be held on 14 April 2026 at 17:30 at Tibro Sporthall (conference room), address Gymnasiegatan 27, Tibro.
Please register your participation no later than 7 April using the contact details below.
Written comments
Written comments must be submitted no later than 30 April 2026.
Email: samrad@geosyntec.com
Post:
Geosyntec Consultants AB
Norra Hamngatan 6
411 14 Gothenburg, Sweden
Please mark your submission “Consultation PaperShell”.
Information on how we process your personal data and on your rights can be downloaded here.
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