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The group exploits existing wood pulping processes—simultaneously cutting out the middleman and bringing new life to a material otherwise seen as waste. Whereas some green alternatives to everyday products may require resource-intensive materials sourcing, Circular Panels’ approach improves upon its petroleum-based counterpart at nearly every step of production. 

‘We start with cellulose fibers that we recover from the side streams of certain industrial wood processing operations. We then create a wet foam that is dried and modified to provide the performance outcomes we desire,’ Mäkinen says. 

The result is a lightweight wall panel with customizable surface patterns. The group has even begun collaborating with Finnish companies like Martela and Vallilla to develop pilot products.

The Circular Panels project is presently funded through the summer of 2024. Mäkinen said the group’s next goal is to secure necessary startup funding to expand the production capabilities by building a pilot line.

Current Circular Panels commercial partners include Ikea, Martela, Metsä, Vallila, and Woodio. Circular Panels is the product of collaboration across Aalto University’s schools of science, business, and arts. 

This project is based on technology developed by the Complex Systems and Materials research group at Aalto University’s Department of Applied Physics, headed by Professor Mikko Alava. Circular Panels is part of the Research to Business program funded by Business Finland.

Circular Panels will be at Aalto's booth at Slush on December 1, 2023. At Slush, Aalto will also present other ambitious solutions for health and well-being challenges, imaging, energy storage, sustainable design, and nutrient recycling.