Project development
Qualitative data research and analysis of market players in the UK, Germany, Finland and Baltic States.
To gain a full natural fibre insulation market overview, market research was divided into two categories - the 1st in–house data research, and the 2nd, subcontracted company research.
During the research 136 participants were identified and 56 direct interviews were carried out. The information collected includes existing production technologies, production scale, and tendencies in insulation construction. The United Kingdom (UK), Germany (GER) and Finland (FIN) stakeholder database and insulation market review in each country and globally.
Database of stakeholders in each target market was created and grouped by:
- paper insulation manufacturers,
- hemp insulation manufacturers,
- paper recyclers,
- paper sorting facilities,
- architects - key info provider about local requirements and traditions of insulation design.
Since sub-action B.5.1 contains detailed research and a description of primary target markets, it was combined into one larger research project. The research also includes specific data about national requirements in the UK, Germany, Finland, Lithuania and Estonia, requirements of installation properties.
IN-DEPTH SURVEY OF THE TARGET MARKET
Documentation and application preparation for the B category environment permit to launch of the new pilot production line.
The application for the initial assessment of the environment permit was submitted to the State Environmental Service of the Republic of Latvia (further VVD). The VVD informed that the technical regulations are not required for the LIFE_PHIPP pilot production line.
SIA BALTICFLOC already holds a category B environmental permit (for cellulose fibre processing line) No. VA16IB0001. Before the launch of the new pilot production line SIA BALTICFLOC should apply for an amendment in the existing permit after sub–action B.1.4. finish.
B1.1. Prototype layout design and technical specifications
Prototype pilot production line layout design development. Each equipment unit`s technical specification preparation for procurement procedure.
B1.2. Procurement procedure
Pilot production line equipment unit procurement procedure in accordance to National public procurement Regulation No. 104 (28.02.2017) for EU projects and green procurement Regulation No. 353 (20.06.2077).
Action included open public procurement procedure for equipment units and assembly work.
PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE REGULATION
PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE REGULATION RESULTS
B1.3. Equipment delivery
Pilot production line 14 equipment unit delivery according to an Agreement signed between SIA ELEKTRO VILKS and SIA BALTICFLOC.
PHOTOS OF PRODUCTION LINE EQUIPMENT
B1.4. Prototype pilot production line installation
Prototype pilot production line installation according to the layout design: assembly of equipment units, automation works, connection of the equipment, adjustment of the equipment in accordance to technology blueprints.
PHOTOS OF PRODUCTION LINE INSTALLATION
B1.5. Technology testing, improving and validation in industrial environment
Testing of manufacturing process includes testing of process itself and manufacturing of sample material as well as adjustment of processing parameters in order to attain desired product properties.
Sample material is to be tested and process adjusted until expected thermal and physical properties are attained. The main objectives to be achieved:
- Least bico fibre use while achieving durability of panel suitable for reliable transportation and installation as well as achieving lambda not lower than mineral wool panels for same application.
- Develop recipes and recommendations for technology users in order to provide knowledge on paper quality tolerances and remedies for differences in feedstock.
B1.6. Production of prototype sample batch
The sample insulation panels will be produced and used as a demo product.
After production of paper – hemp fibre insulation material it will be certified by a certified laboratory.
Harmonised European Technical Assessment (ETA) certification in accordance with EN standards is to be obtained immediately after validation of industrial process and samples for the insulation panels. As the insulation panel is novel material and never produced before, full CE marking cannot be obtained.
Patent application preparation for the innovative paper – hemp fibre insulation material.
The application preparation is subcontracted to a patent agent.
Business planning is carried out, covering the project time and at 5 years after the project. Business planning will contain:
- Full definition of business model, organisational ownership and partnership structure for market launch of the paper-waste and hemp fibre insulation panel production technology.
- Investment analysis and activities related to full industrial, commercial scale up of the technology; economic feasibility.
- Market and competitor analysis considering market launch.
- Marketing plan, distribution channels, commercial and business development activities.
- Commercialisation and industrialization activities.
- Activities regarding further access to financing sources.
- Physical identification of sites for full industrialisation.
- Verification carried out by the Environment Technology Verification (ETV).
B5.1. R&T PLANNING
Plan for replication and transfer of the technology is developed and it includes:
- Detailed research and description of primary target markets.
- Marketing activities.
- Technology licence monetisation strategy.
- Strategic industry partners.
- Insulation panel production technology transfers to other sectors and other building materials.
- Business case development for technology Licensing.
- Work task specification for the R&T team.
- R&T strategy after the project, including funding sources.
REPLICATION AND TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY PLAN
B5.2. INSULATION MATERIAL DEMONSTRATION IN REAL HOUSES
Insulation material will be installed overall in 8 demonstration houses 2 in Latvia, Finland, UK and Germany in order to demonstrate building properties and performance of material.
B5.3. NEGOTIATION AND DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH INDUSTRY MARKET PLAYERS
To attract attention and promote the new technology and insulation material participation in industry exhibitions and shows are necessary. The R&T Manager is communicating, negotiating and meeting with potential business partners and licensees.
C1.1. SOCIO - ECONOMIC IMPACT (SEI) ASSESSMENT OF THE PROJECT ACTIONS ON THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND POPULATION
At the end of the project, a socio economic assessment will be carried out, consolidating the data and results over the project lifetime.
C1.2. A FULL LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA) FOR PAPER - HEMP INSULATION MATERIAL PRODUCTION
To provide complete transparency and traceability, a full life cycle assessment of paper-hemp insulation material production will be executed in accordance with LCA standard ISO 14040.
Through the project continuous project performance monitoring are carried out to ensure the achievements of the project indicators.
There are three groups of idicators that will be monitored:
- Technical indicators include information from manufacturing process.
- Public awareness and dissemination indicators.
- Economic performance indicators.
Data are gathered by project team to monitor and ensure project indicators are achieved, to keep track of the project objectives and performance in accordance with planned indicators in the project proposal.
METHODS FOR MONITORING ENFORCEMENT
D1.1. GENERAL DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
General dissemination activities include:
- project website development,
- notice boards development,
- Layman's report preparation.
D1.2. PARTICIPATION IN LIFE NETWORKING EVENTS
Through participation in LIFE networking events aim is to cooperate with other LIFE projects, spread information about the project actions and results in the LIFE community. Benefit from cooperation with other projects that have similar targets or topics, with a purpose to exchange information about projects, best practices and cooperation possibilities.
This action could be influenced by the global pandemic COVID–19 expansion and restrictions on gathering. Further networking events are scheduled in online platforms.
D1.3. VIDEO PREPARATION
In development are 2 video materials about project and new insulation material for conferences, exhibitions, online dissemination and project events.
D1.4. COMMUNICATION STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
It formulates the strategy of communication tasks and activities that are carried out for both - general public and industry professionals. Marketing and communication specialist updates Communication strategy regularly.
D2.1. INFO MATERIALS - BROCHURES - FOR NETWORKING, CONFERENCES, AND MEETINGS
Information brochure design and context have been developed. It contains basic information about the project implementation dates, budget, environmental problem addressed, objectives, main activities involved to reach results. It also includes information about paper recycling and industrial hemp. The digital version of the brochure is accessible on the project web page.
For dissemination purposes in exhibitions, 8000 pieces will be printed in 8 languages - Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian, English, German, Finnish, and Russian.
D2.2. PUBLICATIONS IN INDUSTRY MAGAZINES
Publications are now in development in industry magazines for awareness raising in the business-to-consumers segment, building industry professionals. Publish 4 articles in industry magazines (Latvia, Finland, Germany, UK), prepared by professional journalists or industry experts.
MAGAZINE "BŪVINŽENIERIS" Latvian
D2.4. PARTICIPATION IN C
Until March 2020 Project Manager participated in key industry exhibitions and represented the project technology and insulation material.
Building material industry mostly gathers in international exhibitions and shows. To reach project dissemination and R&T indicators, the most effective way is to show product samples and talk to potential partners and clients. To ease and support R&T activities, exhibitions was planned in regions with high transferability possibilities, like Baltic states, Norway, Poland, Spain. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes to the exhibition schedules and since March 2020 they have all been either postponed or canceled altogether. Marketing and Communications Specialist is working on a plan of marketing activities that will replace unvisited exhibitions.
D2.5. PROTOTYPE PRESENTATION EVENT
Prototype presentation event with >100 key existing and potential partners, industry professionals, and media.
D2.6. DISSEMINATION MATERIAL FOR PUBLIC BODIES ABOUT GREEN PROCUREMENT
Dissemination material for public bodies about green procurement model specifications will be developed. Material will be prepared and disseminated to public bodies in Latvia.
E1.1. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Project Management is provided by SIA BALTICFLOC.
Project team:
- Project Manager Zane Sērmaukša - zane@balticfloc.lv.
- Project Manager/ Engineer Edžus Cābulis - edzus@balticfloc.lv.
- Technology Transfer Manager Ēriks Nordens - eriks@balticfloc.lv.
- Marketing and Communication Specialist Līva Cābule - liva@balticfloc.lv.
- Financial Assistant Liene Meistere.
E1.2. STEERING COMMITTEE
Steering Committee is supervising project implementation in accordance with objectives and support to establish contact with policymakers and industry opinion leaders.
STEERING COMMITTEE PARTICIPANTS (2019)
STEERING COMMITTEE PARTICIPANTS (2021)
E1.3. PROJECT PROCUREMENTS
E1.4. PROJECT EXTERNAL AUDIT
E1.5. AFTER - LIFE PLAN
The After-LIFE plan will include a comprehensive exploitation plan, strategy for maintaining project results through commercialization and industrialization of the proposed solutions after the end of the project, how the dissemination and communication of the project results will continue after the end of the project
PROJECT “PAPER – HEMP INSULATION PILOT PRODUCTION” (LIFE PHIPP, LIFE17ENV/LV/000335) IS IMPLEMENTED WITH THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION LIFE PROGRAM AND STATE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY REPUBLIC OF LATVIA ADMINISTRATION OF LATVIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUND.
