The journey of materials lasts for centuries

The mission of the Aalto University Bioinnovation Center is to accelerate the transition to a bioeconomy and circular economy, thereby supporting Finland’s sustainable economic growth. 

The Center’s interdisciplinary doctoral programme has generated new openings in textiles and packaging, often in close collaboration with industry partners. 

The level of ambition continues to rise. Where it was once enough for a solution to be more sustainable than the alternatives, the focus is now increasingly on absolute sustainability — whether an innovation is truly beneficial for the planet, both now and in the future. 

‘In the midst of innovation, we must consider the end of the lifecycle. What kind of trace will our work leave in 400 years?’ emphasises materials design expert Pirjo Kääriäinen.