Borregaard has received a NOK 15 million grant from the Research Council of Norway (NFR) to advance its Biomer innovation project, which aims to develop bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived polycarboxylates used in agriculture, industry, and household products.
Polycarboxylates, widely used as dispersants and cleaning agents, are persistent in the environment and have a high carbon footprint. The Biomer project will leverage Borregaard’s advanced biorefinery in Sarpsborg and its long-standing expertise in wood chemistry to create renewable polymers with a significantly lower environmental impact.
“The grant from NFR enables us to accelerate innovation and create new high-value markets for Norwegian bioresources. Biomer will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint across agriculture, industry, and consumer products,” said Tom Erik Foss-Jacobsen, CEO of Borregaard.
Running from January 2026 to December 2029, the four-year initiative represents another step in Borregaard’s strategy to use Norwegian bioresources to replace fossil-based materials in key industrial sectors.
A Global Biorefinery Leader
Borregaard operates one of the world’s most advanced and sustainable biorefineries, producing biochemicals from natural, renewable raw materials. Its products serve industries such as agriculture, aquaculture, construction, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, batteries, and biofuels.
Headquartered in Sarpsborg, southeastern Norway, Borregaard employs 1,100 people across 13 countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and continues to position itself as a global leader in green innovation and carbon reduction.
