News
VTT, Aalto University and GTK: How to ensure Finland captures the multi‑billion growth potential of mineral economy
Finland is rising to the forefront of the mineral economy through new research initiatives and closer collaboration
Environmental impact of bio-based plastics may exceed fossil-based alternatives, study finds
For the environment, what really matters is the life cycle of a plastic and how it is used.
Five things everyone should know about the materials powering the green transition
The green transition depends on more than just clean energy — it requires a massive, complex supply of critical raw materials, especially metals and minerals. From mining and refining to recycling and innovation, here are five key things everyone should know about the materials powering a sustainable future.
Battery demand is growing exponentially – BATCircle3.0 provides a leap in battery material and recycling research in Finland
The three-year BATCircle3.0 project, led by Aalto University, offers a strategic focus on new openings for battery materials refining and battery recycling.
Retiring Professor Ari Jokilaakso: "Metallurgy is a hot topic"
Retiring Professor Ari Jokilaakso has had a distinguished career in metallurgy in Otaniemi and in industry.
Five things decision-makers should know about the electrification of society
Electrification plays a key role in solving the climate crisis. Aalto University researchers describe what kind of challenges this entails and how they can be tackled.
I am passionate about collaboration between industry and academia
Concerns about the climate, the world’s oil resources, and the availability of strategic raw materials have turned interest towards renewable and carbon-neutral natural resources in the production of energy, fuels and chemicals. Most of the world's industrial chemicals are still petroleum products but biorefineries are the game changers of future.
Nobody can make it alone in the circular economy - How can indicators solve the challenges of the circular economy?
The efficient use and exchange of information are considered fundamental aspects for the prosperity of ecosystems, being them natural or industrial. Consequently, data sharing becomes a requisite for successful circular economy models since, by definition, they require the collaborative interaction of various actors throughout the value chain of materials and products. However, there are significant data gaps that currently prevent the implementation of circular economy in practice.
Marcus Wallenberg Prize to Professor Herbert Sixta for the development of Sustainable wood-based textile fibres
The 2022 Marcus Wallenberg Prize is awarded to Professor Herbert Sixta and Professor Ilkka Kilpeläinen for the development and use of novel ionic liquids to process wood biomass into high-performance textile fibres.
Alumna of the Year 2021 Reetta Kaila has built a career that lives up to her values
Reetta Kaila, D.Sc. (Tech.), has been selected as the Alumna of the Year 2021 of the School of Chemical Engineering. Kaila, who is the Director of Sustainable Fuels and Environment at Wärtsilä Energy, is on a mission to reduce emissions and create a sustainable society.
The sustainable use of metals is at the core of fighting climate change – It’s no use to substitute walking with electric scooters
Electric cars and electric scooters are not environmentally friendly options if they are used as an alternative to walking or cycling, for example. Different metals are constantly needed in increasing amounts for batteries, for example. The challenge is both ecological and social.
