Sustainable Innovations in Nonwovens

How can we transform the nonwoven industry to be more sustainable while fostering economic growth?

Imagine everyday items—face masks, diapers, packaging—made from renewable sources like natural and recycled fibers, reducing our reliance on non-biodegradable materials.

SUSTAFIT - Sustainable fit-for-purpose nonwovens is a research project working to make everyday nonwoven products more environmentally friendly by developing sustainable alternatives in the nonwoven industry.  With a dual objective, SUSTAFIT not only advances sustainable nonwovens through research but also aims to commercialize solutions, developing market-ready alternatives that can propel Finnish industries into the global market.

Join us for a half-day hybrid seminar open for everyone, highlighting the latest advancements in sustainable nonwovens. Speakers from the SUSTAFIT research project will share insights on the project’s outcomes, innovations, and contributions to environmental and economic sustainability.

Agenda
8:30 – 9:30 Morning Coffee
9:30 – 9:40 Opening words
9:40 - 10:15 Lightning talks (7 x 5 min talks):
 

• Lightning talk 1: What is the SUSTAFIT research project all about, and Why? 
  Speaker: Dr. Pia Hautamäki, Project Leader of SUSTAFIT, Adjunct Professor (Sales Management),Tampere University of Applied Sciences, TAMK, Finland
• Lightning talk 2: Applications of nonwovens 
  Speaker: Ali Tehrani,  Associate Professor, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University
• Lightning talk 3: Nonwovens with Improved performance Learning from Nature 
  Speaker: Dr Ali Tarhini, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University 
• Lightning talk 4: How to engage consumers to make sustainable purchasing decisions 
  Speaker: Dr. Katri Salminen School of Industrial Engineering,Tampere University of Applied Sciences
• Lightning talk 5: Segment-specific sustainability strategies - One size does not fit all 
  Speaker: M.Sc. (Tech.) Noora Raipale, Research Scientist, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
• Lightning talk 6: Sustainability as a Driver in US and EU in Paper and Nonwoven Sectors 
  Speaker: Miika Nikinmaa, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Biomaterial Solutions 
• Lightning talk 7: Company perspective on participating in the sustafit project – Kemira
  Speaker: Sara Muona, Kemira Oyj
  
  10:15 – 11:30 Poster session, exhibition, and mingling

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with a collection of nonwoven prototypes and materials in the same space as the seminar. 

To participate in the event, we kindly ask that you complete the registration form.