ANDRITZ Oy and Aalto University bring a new biotechnology product to the global market
Aalto University and ANDRITZ Oy have agreed on cooperation to commercialise AaltoCell™ technology for the global market. AaltoCell™, a technology developed under the lead of professor Olli Dahl, allows high capacity production of MCC in pulp mills instead of small production units, using significantly smaller quantities of chemicals than before.
MCC is nearly 100% cellulose that is easily digestible for ruminants and offers a good source of energy. According to professor Dahl, its most promising volume markets can be found in the animal feed industry.
“Thanks to our technology, MCC can be produced ecologically and effectively for raw material of the feed industry. This saves arable land for cultivation, which is critical for the food production for the mankind.”
Multiannual research cooperation
In addition to commercialisation, the agreement includes multiannual research cooperation that aims to develop new bio products with high processing value using MCC produced with the AaltoCell™ technology. So far, high production costs have restricted the use of MCC but, in the future, new applications may be found in several fields of industry. In addition, the sugars generated in the manufacturing process can be used to produce bio-based chemicals, such as ethanol.
“ANDRITZ’s equipment and process portfolio offers good opportunities for new bio products, and the cooperation with the Aalto University is a significant step towards creating new, innovative bio products. We want to be involved in developing new wood-based, environmentally friendly bio products – to complement traditional bio products – which help our customers boost their business and gain commercial benefit,” says Kari Tuominen, President and CEO of ANDRITZ Oy.
“Materials and sustainable use of natural resources are one of Aalto University's key areas in research, where bioeconomy plays a central role. In the field of bioeconomy, we want to be world leaders in teaching, research and creating innovations. We are very pleased with the agreement signed with ANDRITZ Oy. It allows us to bring the results of determined top research to the global market,” says Ilkka Niemelä, President of Aalto University.
Further information:
Olli Dahl
Professor, Aalto-yliopisto
p. 040 5401 070
olli.dahl@aalto.fi
Kari Tuominen
President and CEO of ANDRITZ Oy
p. 040 860 5186
kari.tuominen@andritz.com
Read more news
New Academy Research Fellows and Academy Projects
A total of 44 Aalto researchers received Academy Research Fellowship and Academy Project funding from the Research Council of Finland – congratulations to all!
FITech Network University's new project increases the network’s capabilities in continuous learning
FITech's new FITech FORWARD project aims to develop the member universities’ ability to create offerings of continuous learning and micro-credentials to meet the current skill needs in the field of technology. Besides Aalto University, also Tampere University, University of Oulu, and University of Vaasa are involved in the project.
Aalto University's Wood Studio's future visions of Finland's most valuable wood are presented at the Finnish Forest Museum Lusto
Curly birch – the tree pressed by the devil – exhibition will be on display in Lusto until March 15, 2026.