Materials for change
When
Where
The potential of bio-based materials is often overlooked, as synthetic and non-renewable options are more familiar and set high expectations for functionality for bio-based alternatives.
Only by allowing certain imperfection we can recognise the possibilities, imagining a future where futile plants, industry side streams and agricultural waste are used as valuable resources for fabrics, packaging and even furniture production.
Materials for change invites us to rethink our approach to materials by showcasing surprising bio-based material samples that demonstrate alternative pathways towards a sustainable material future.
interior, architecture and design magazine Dezeen wrote after visiting our exhibition.
Nine featured projects and perspectives on the development and design of bio-based materials:
1. MAKING USE OF SIDESTREAMS
Saskia Helinska, Aalto ARTS / New Media
Marja-Inkeri Murphy, Aalto CHEM
Ilona Valovirta, Aalto CHEM
Krista Virtanen, Aalto ARTS/ Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design
2. RECYCLING WASTE
Inge Schlapp-Hackl, Herbert Sixta and Michael Hummel, Aalto CHEM
Matthias Selinger, Vienna University of Technology, Austria
Marja Rissanen, TAMK, Finland
3. DISCOVERING NEW SOURCES OF MATERIAL
Elizaveta Tapaila, Aalto CHEM
4. USING BIO-BASED AND BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING
Valentin Schwarz and Satu Paavonsalo, Aalto ARTS
Juha Lipponen, Marke Tyrväinen, Ziba Fathi and Jenni Roivas, Aalto CHEM
Lasse Pulkkinen and Tapio Tirri, XAMK
5. DEVELOPING MORE SUSTAINABLE SINGLE-USE PRODUCTS
Pegah Shamloo, Aalto ARTS
Pia Johansson, Aalto ARTS
Ali Tehrani and team, Aalto CHEM
Antti Oksanen and team, VTT
SUSTAFIT team of TAMK
6. GROWING NEW MATERIALS
Manuel Arias Barrantes, Aalto University / VTT
Géza Szilvay and Lauri Peuhkurinen, VTT
7. TAKING ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL MATERIALS
Iines Jakovlev, Aalto ARTS - winner of the Ornamo award 2024, for a thesis in the field of design.
8. CHERISING MULTISPECIES INTEGRATION
Tomek Rygalik, Aalto ARTS
9. FINDING NEW WAYS TO PRODUCE BIO-BASED MATERIALS
Matteo Anderle and Henrik Jansson, Aalto ARTS
Exhibition team
Curatorial work and project lead:
Senior specialist Enni Äijälä (Aalto)
Professor Pirjo Kääriäinen (Aalto ARTS)
Design of the exhibition tables:
Baldur Haraldsson (ARTS)
Graphic design:
Sonja Dallyn (ARTS)
Aalto CHEMARTS
Contact
Collaboration
Biomaterials are the best options as we seek more sustainable ways for our current world of materials.
Related event
Sustainable Innovations in Nonwovens
Transforming the nonwoven industry by developing sustainable, renewable alternatives for everyday items such as diapers, face masks, and packaging. In this hybrid seminar, members of the SUSTAFIT research project share insights on how to develop solutions that are not only planet-friendly, but also economically viable.
Designs for a Cooler Planet
Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition showcases interdisciplinary experiments at Marsio, Otakaari 2. Open 5 Sept – 28 Oct 2025.
