News

Alternatives to fossil-based fibres – Helena Sederholm develops sustainable textiles

Today’s outdoor clothing mainly relies on oil-based fibres and chemicals that are harmful for the environment. In her doctoral research, Helena Sederholm develops environmentally friendly water-repellent textiles. She follows the example of nature.
Helena Sederholm photographed in a lab setting, wearing a blue sweater.
Photo: Kristina Tsvetkova.

Sederholm, a doctoral researcher at Aalto University’s Bioinnovation Center, wants to contribute to a sustainable future.

‘Environmental and climate issues are close to my heart. I want to use my education and learning to solve the obstacles to a better world. There are many problems like this in the textile industry’, says Sederholm.

Originally from Espoo, Sederholm was already interested in natural sciences during her basic education and particularly keen on chemistry and biology. She started studying for a bachelor’s degree at the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering in 2017. 

‘During my studies, materials sciences and, in particular, biomaterials started to attract me. I ended up in the Master’s Degree Programme of Fibre and Polymer Technology, where I was able to familiarise myself with bio-based fibres. It felt right.’

The growing sector needs doctors

In her master’s thesis, Sederholm studied the recyclability of fibres produced with the Ioncell® technology. The thesis indicated that recycled Ioncell fibres are just as suitable for textile production as original cellulose fibres. Sederholm graduated with a Master of Science degree in autumn 2022.

‘In my master's thesis, I got to familiarise myself with the academic world of research. I liked experimental work and enjoyed my time in the research group.’

Postgraduate studies started to interest Sederholm, so she applied for doctoral studies at Aalto University’s Bioinnovation Center, where she was able to start immediately after her master’s studies.

‘Bio-based textiles are still a new field in Finland, but this sector will surely grow. I believe that there will be a need for doctors with expertise and vision related to biomaterials by the time I finish my doctoral studies.’

Using natural phenomena as a model

In her doctoral research, Sederholm develops an environmentally friendly way of producing hydrophobic textiles for outdoor clothing. The hydrophobic properties of today’s outdoor clothing mainly result from synthetic fossil-based fibres. Fossil-free alternatives, on the other hand, contain chemicals that are harmful for the environment. 

‘Fortunately, water repellent materials can be found in nature. I try to copy them and apply similar methods in the Ioncell® process. One option is to develop lignocellulosic fibres using lignin derived from wood. In addition to having hydrophobic properties, the fibres used in outdoor clothing must be sufficiently strong.’

The cross-disciplinary CelluMimicry study combines Aalto University’s expertise in chemical technology and business.

‘We are studying how to commercialise bio-based water-repellent materials and how suited they are for mass production. Sustainability and ecology are growing trends that increase responsibility in the consumption of clothing. On the other hand, there are also many challenges involved with the commercialisation of bio-based materials, such as the cost of clothing and dyeing of textiles.’ 

Sederholm is inspired by the concrete nature of her doctoral research.

‘One day, when my experiments have hopefully been successful, I can hold a piece of fabric in my hand and say: I did it! My research results are not just numbers on the screen or graphs on paper, but material that I can touch and hold.’

Text: Marjukka Puolakka.

Photo: Artistic paper sample

Aalto University Bioinnovation Center

To achieve human wellbeing in planetary boundaries, we need new sustainable solutions to wisely use our natural resources. The Bioinnovation Center especially focuses on innovations in sustainable bio-based materials, with special focus on textiles and packaging.

  • Published:
  • Updated:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Dean's Impact Award, School of Business
Awards and Recognition Published:

The Dean also rewards School of Business students for other merits besides excellent grades

The aim of the new Dean’s Impact Award is to show our appreciation for promoting sustainable development or action in line with Aalto’s values
Lennart Engels, Karolin Kull, Ágnes László, Julia Postrzech and Valenti Soler won the Habitare Design competition 2023.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art, Studies, University Published:

Team of Interior Architecture and Contemporary Design students won the Habitare Design competition 2023

The Habitare Design Competition is intended for students studying art, design, and architecture in Finland. This year ‘s theme of the competition was “Tools for togetherness”, which required the teams to design and implement new types of tools to promote togetherness and interaction on a human scale or more widely.
Mika Sillanpää uses a screwdriver on a piece of equipment.
Appointments Published:

Mika A. Sillanpää: ‘Having a couple of little black holes in the lab would be tremendously helpful’

From sidestepping the Heisenberg uncertainty principle to demonstrating quantum gravity, Aalto Professor has a habit of advancing boundaries in quantum physics
Pärttyli Rinne, photo by Nora Rinne
University Published:

Pärttyli Rinne: My work is both internally rewarding and economically fragile

'Academics without a permanent post experience uncertainty and stress, mainly related to financial fragility. It is not just my experience.'