BUILDINGS

In the Swedish locality Kinna, a 130-year-old factory turns yarn into technical textile ready for export to 130 countries. The climate screens are used in greenhouse cultivation, where they save energy and improve crop quality. Ludvig Svensson flourishes.

Task-specific plastics in buildings and machines live longer than consumer plastics in packaging - but also lag behind in recycling rates. The leading producer Tarkett is fighting to turn things around.

Hybrix is a unique lightweight material made from thin microfiber-laminated metal sheets. It can be used as facade material, in interiors, and in many other applications. Compared to traditional metal half the weight can be saved, and much of the environmental impact.

A-plast makes products from sawdust, rice hulls and vegetable oil. The material, called WPC, or wood plastic composites, contains 70 percent recycled wood. It combines the lightness and robustness of plastic with the touch and feel of wooden surfaces.

Dunderon's smart, digital solution regulates the energy balance of buildings by measuring and analyzing the indoor climate continously. The technology can reduce energy consumption by 35 percent, without exchanging the heating system.