VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is the biggest contract research organisation in Northern Europe. VTT provides high-end technology solutions and innovation services. From its wide knowledge base, VTT can combine different technologies, create new innovations and a substantial range of world class technologies and applied research services thus improving its clients' competitiveness and competence. Through its international scientific and technology network, VTT can produce information, upgrade technology knowledge, create business intelligence and value added to its stakeholders.

In the field of natural materials, our services broadly cover new customised product solutions and optimisation of the life cycle performance of existing products. The focus of our research is on natural fibres and polymers as well as composite materials for industrial applications. Fibre materials include wood, pulp fibres, pulp fibre derivatives and agrofibres, as well as polymers, such as starch, polylactide and cellulose derivatives. Our research covers the development of materials and processes, as well as the improvement of material compatibility.

Examples of application areas:

• 100% biodegradable, reinforced natural polymers, for example, packaging, mobile phone casings, tableware, furniture, furnishing elements, etc.
• Functional natural material products: moisture resistance, contamination resistance, ease of cleaning, biological stability, etc.
• Die-casting and extrusion of high reinforcement concentration (50-80%) composites
• Practical application of derived and recycled materials used in the mechanical wood processing industry
• Efficient, high-quality grade, cost-effective product solutions and concepts: light, quick and easy to install element solutions

Research fields:

• Natural fibre reinforced composites
• Natural polymers
• Handling and processing of natural fibres
• Functionalising of wood material
• Processing of natural materials
• Product solutions