The Biofore Concept Car, a joint production of UPM and the Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, celebrates the International Day of Forests on Friday 21 March at the UN's Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The car is a prime example of innovative use of renewable biomaterials that originate from responsibly managed forests. As such, the car is a perfect match with the day's theme which focuses on innovative forest fibres, and their contribution to a greener economy.
"I think The Biofore Concept Car presents a brilliant example of collaboration between an industry and a university. It shows real innovative thinking with a real mission. A mission to make cars more sustainably and resource-efficiently in the future", says Päivi Kairamo, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Finland in Geneva in her speech at UN.
"We as The Biofore Company are pleased to take part in this event. The main theme of the day is at the core of our Biofore thinking. We use forest biomass responsibly and innovatively, and create new materials that both contribute to a more sustainable economy and bring added value for our customers," says Elisa Nilsson, Vice President, Brand and Communications, UPM. "Our roots are in the forests wherein also lies the key to a more sustainable and resource efficient future."
In the Biofore Concept Car, the majority of parts that are traditionally made of plastics are replaced with high quality, safe and durable biomaterials, UPM Formi and UPM Grada, which can significantly improve the overall environmental performance of car manufacturing. UPM Formi is a recyclable biocomposite manufactured from cellulose fibre and plastics. UPM Grada, in turn, is a thermoformable wood material which enables high quality aesthetic and ecological designs.
Moreover, the car will be fuelled by UPM BioVerno, a wood-based renewable diesel, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly compared to fossil fuels. The Biofore Concept Car premiered at the Geneva International Motor Show in early March and has raised considerable interest in the automotive industry and media.
