During the 80s and 90s, six tons of ski wool were produced annually in the factory in Tegsnäset. Now production is being revived with a focus on a degradable wax made from animal and plant oils. The goal is to minimize the impact on the environment. Erika Almgren Stenberg is driving the project. She is part of the Bioinnovation program, where research is ongoing to ensure that the bio-based ski embankment lives up to the performance requirements of traditional ski embankment. Challenging transition – When there is now a paradigm shift with the fluoridation that disappears, I feel that the product is at the right time, says Erica Almgren Stenberg. Swedish ski associations view the environmentally friendly initiatives positively. But the transition to new walrus varieties will be a challenge. – We have no ground to stand on. What we built up around herding skills is no longer there, so at the first competition last year, you can say that it was zero-zero for everyone. We have to learn a lot, says Pablo Grate who is in charge of selection at IFK Umeå. Automated packing line In a few years, Erica Almgren Stenberg aims for full-scale production. This means a new investment for Tegsnäset and an opportunity to shape the sustainable ski pile production of the future. – Then I have a garage of 220 square meters with an automated packing line and large cooking vessels that are maintained in a factory manner, says Erica Almgren Stenberg.
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