Karlstads Energi in Sweden and Rekorek in Poland are to explore the possibility of recycling wine corks. The international collaboration has the potential to lead to wine corks being used in the production of new products. The partnership is the result of an innovation challenge organized by Paper Province.
"Currently, there’s no recycling system for wine corks in Sweden. They are incinerated and converted into district heating. While this process has its benefits, Karlstads Energi sees untapped potential in reusing cork because of it natural and sustainable material," says Malin Pettersson, Recycling Manager at Karlstads Energi.
To investigate the potential of giving the corks a new life, the company has just participated in an international innovation challenge. It was co-organized with Paper Province using a method called BioBoosters Hackathon and supported by organizations in Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany.
International Collaboration
The open call for the Karlstad Energi Hackathon gathered innovative businesses from across Europe to address the wine cork challenge. Among these, Nordic Surface, Reselo, and Rekorek were selected to refine their solutions over two days, supported by mentors specializing in business and product development, value propositions and communication.
On Wednesday, the companies pitched their proposals to Karlstads Energi. The winner was named Rekorek, whom already have an established cork collection system in Poland, which they aim to introduce in new markets.
" Rekorek presented a sharp and concrete solution that clearly demonstrates it is possible to create an efficient collection process for the reuse of natural corks. We see great potential in the concept and look forward to exploring the opportunities for future collaboration," says Malin Pettersson.
Developing a concept
This was the second innovation challenge, organized as a Bioboosters hackathon by Paper Province. The method is being developed and tested as part of an international initiative involving nine organizations from seven countries around the Baltic Sea. Together the partners have held around thirty hackathons. In the spring, five new challenges will be launched, focusing on different issues that aim to contribute to more circular and bio-based societies.
"The approach has been designed to find innovative solutions to business challenges. By openly announcing challenges and actively seeking solutions from companies and researchers new collaborations can begin. We are excited to follow Rekorek and Karlstads Energi’s journey, says Magnus Persson, Project Manager at Paper Province.