Biorefineries
Group led by Emeritus Professor Herbert Sixta
Biorefineries and Herbert Sixta in spotlight at 2022 seminar
The annual Biorefineries Scientific Seminar on 30 March 2022 featured presentations on the latest developments in biorefineries and biopolymer chemistry and engineering at Aalto from the research groups of Herbert Sixta and Michael Hummel. As the final seminar for the now-Emeritus Professor, Sixta reviewed decades of advancements in forest-based biorefinery.
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Biopolymer Chemistry and Engineering
Group led by Professor Michael Hummel
Professor Emeritus Herbert Sixta: “The most important task of a professor is to educate young people, to help them build their career”
After an extensive career in academia and the forest-based industries, Professor Herbert Sixta has retired. Having worked in Austria for 25 years, Sixta arrived to Aalto in 2007, where his research in biorefineries helped create, among other things, the Ioncell process, a technology that turns used textiles, pulp, and paper into new textile fibres sustainably and without chemicals.
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.
Pilot production line for Ioncell launched — a top made with the stronger-than-cotton ecofibre gets its colour from Finnish fields
In addition to producing the innovative textile fibre, the pilot production line will be used to develop wood-based carbon fibres.
Luxury fibre from recycled cardboard
Prize-winning spinning method can reduce the environmental hazards of textile production.
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Viivi Prokofjev is Graphic Designer of the Year 2026
Art director, illustrator, and book designer Prokofjev's work combines tradition and craftsmanship with intuition and bold carnivalism.
Register for the Unite! Training Programme on Sustainability for Prospective Leaders
A transnational online programme for students, faculty, and leaders who want to advance sustainability initiatives within their institutions. Register by 13 February 2026.
Holiday breaks and special opening hours at Arts infra
Special opening hours and exceptions at Arts infra workshops.