Lessons from Mars and blue algae ― Come explore the future of the circular economy on 5 June

Time: 5 June 2019, from 10.00 to 12.00
Location: Ekonominaukio 1, Otaniemi, Espoo (Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation lecture hall)

On 3-5 June, Sitra’s World Circular Economy Forum will bring approximately 2 000 global influencers of the circular economy to Helsinki. Aalto University will host a WCEF2019 side event on 5 June in Otaniemi, where top experts from Finland and around the world will talk about the circular economy as an enabler of sustainable development as well as new business.

Assistant Professor Mari Lundström is in charge of the BATCircle Consortium that promotes the circular economy of battery metals. The goal of the consortium is to generate a battery market in Finland worth as much as 5 billion euros. Researcher Mari Granström, the founder of Origin by Ocean, sees blue-green algae as sea biomass, which can be collected and utilised for various purposes, for example, as raw material in cosmetics. Aalto University's Professor Riku Vahala, with his research group and partners, develops a method to refine wastewater nitrogen into a valuable fertiliser. 

A scarce and wise use of resources is also one of the cornerstones of a circular economy. NASA Researcher and Director of UpCycle Systems Jonathan Trent reveals what kind of perspectives research carried out in Mars opens up in terms of solving major challenges related to food, water and energy. Aalto University Professor Kirsi Niinimäki describes the revolutionary impact of circular economy thinking on the fashion industry, and Professor Lassi Linnanen from Lappeenranta University of Technology talks about the systemic change required to control overconsumption.

The event takes place in English, and you can find the programme here. The event is open to everyone. Welcome!

Aalto University is also at the main event at Expo area of Finlandia Hall, presenting the latest research results on the circular economy of batteries, design enabling the recycling of textiles, management of large circular economy systems, and wood structures that enable deconstruction and reuse.  Read more about the topics of the invitational event here.

Further information:

Development Manager Marjo Kettunen
tel. +358 50 304 2827
[email protected]