All these are areas for market expansions. Linseed is grown on an experimental level. Linseed oil is regaining markets in the paint and wood preservation industry. The research in the centre is devoted to synthesis, characterisation and application of surfactants based entirely or partly on natural products. Fibre crops The interest among farmers for growing flax has increased over recent years, mainly due to a favourable EU-policy.
Flax fibres have their traditional uses as clothing and blankets.
Modified flax fibres are used in non-woven, tissues, absorption products etc. The programme aims at the development of materials based on renewable resources for automotive interior applications. The possibilities to use fibres from reed canary grass are also being investigated. Carbohydrate crops The crops grown in Sweden for their high content of carbohydrates are mainly potatoes, sugar beets and wheat. The products are starches and sugars, but also cellulose and hemi-cellulose are of great interest.