New life for construction waste wood
Construction waste wood gets a new purpose
After concrete, construction waste wood is the largest waste material in Finland, but its recycling use has been limited. The project “Käytöstä poistunut puumateriaali kiertoon” (Recycling discarded wood material) PUMASKA is investigating ways of processing wood waste to make it usable. The results are promising: for example, one processing method, where wood is treated with steam and ground, has shown similar and sometimes even better results in germination trials than peat.
Peat substitution is necessary
Peat is an excellent growing medium, but substitutes should be found for ecological reasons. Alternatives that have been explored in the past include wood fibre, coconut fibre and moss. The steam-treated waste wood now under investigation offers an ecological alternative that takes advantage of the circular economy and reduces waste.
Further research will focus on the long-term properties of the material and its suitability for commercial use. In addition to Aalto University, the project involves the University of Eastern Finland and Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK). The project is co-funded by the European Union.
Read more news
Which team deserves the Aalto Pioneering Excellence Award? Submit your nomination by 16 October
The award may be given to a team that does pioneering work to advance education, research or artistic activity, or to enable the international success of the Aalto University community
Mentor Elina Nauha: Mentoring was a mutual and enjoyable learning experience
First-time mentor and chemical engineering alumna Elina Nauha joined the program despite some initial hesitation. It turned out she had much to offer—and to gain.
When there is no proof, the story is the evidence — a new Founder Storytelling course at Aalto University
A new course at Aalto University teaches aspiring founders how to build, adapt and deliver the story behind their venture — before the traction, revenue and track record exist.