VTT is a leading research and technology organisation supporting the transition towards a sustainable, circular and bio-based economy. We combine multidisciplinary research with technology development, piloting, scale-up and industrial validation, helping partners move from laboratory concepts towards higher TRLs and commercial implementation. VTT’s infrastructure supports development from proof-of-concept through pilot-scale demonstration.
Expertise and technologies we offer
For Horizon Europe Cluster 6, our relevant capabilities include:
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Biomass fractionation and high-yield pulping, including chemical, mechanical and novel-solvent processing, steam explosion, hydrolysis and extraction.
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Cellulose, MFC/nanocellulose and regenerated cellulose for films, coatings and fibre-based products.
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Sustainable fibre-based packaging, including recyclable and compostable concepts, formable board and moulded/3D fibre products.
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High-barrier coatings and multilayer structures for oxygen, moisture and grease barriers.
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Bio-based and thermoplastic films, extrusion coatings and biopolymer solutions, including heat-sealable and moisture-resistant packaging layers.
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Biopolymer foams and lightweight cushioning solutions, with expertise in physical and chemical foaming and bio-based/recyclable materials.
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Lignin and side-stream valorisation, biocomposites, foams, coatings and adhesives, connecting biomass processing with high-value material applications.
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Digital material modelling and AI-supported process/material optimisation to accelerate formulation and multilayer development.
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Material characterisation and end-of-life assessment, including barrier, mechanical, heat-sealing, humidity-stability and recyclability-related performance.
Key pilot facilities
VTT provides infrastructure for development from laboratory scale to pilot and semi-industrial validation, including:
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Bioruukki Pilot Centre for biomass processing, fractionation, pulping, purification, modification and conversion of diverse lignocellulosic and secondary feedstocks into materials and products.
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SUTCO roll-to-roll surface treatment pilot with foam, spray, rod, kiss, reverse-gravure, flexo, slot and cast coating capabilities. The line can handle different viscosities and coating weights and allows work with relatively small amounts of novel materials.
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PLASCO roll-to-roll pilot combining water-based dispersion and extrusion coating, multilayer cast-film coextrusion and coating, and integrated compounding capabilities.
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Laboratory-to-semi-pilot coating infrastructure, including Erichsen, foam and gravure coating as well as SUTCO and PLASCO. SUTCO reaches up to 90 m/min with a web width up to 55 cm.
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MFC/nanocellulose production and processing, including microfluidisation and grinding, with reported throughputs of 20–100 L/h for relevant fibrillation equipment.
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Thermoplastic foaming laboratory and pilot capabilities, supporting development from material/process optimisation through pilot validation for packaging and other applications.
Experience and role in collaborative projects
VTT has extensive experience in European collaborative R&I. Internal VTT material reports participation in 303 Horizon Europe projects during 2021–2025, with €233 million in EU funding granted to VTT.
In consortia, VTT can contribute as a technology developer, research and piloting partner, work-package leader, demonstration and validation partner, or coordinator, bridging fundamental research, applied development, scale-up and industrial implementation.
Partnering with VTT bring together deep scientific expertise, multidisciplinary technology development and extensive pilot infrastructure. This allows Cluster 6 consortia to move beyond laboratory research towards scalable, validated technologies with clear industrial and circular-bioeconomy impact.
For January 2027 matchmaking, we are particularly interested in partnerships around circular bio-based solutions, sustainable packaging, biomass and side-stream valorisation, bioprocessing, high-value fibre products, coatings and barriers, and scale-up towards industrial demonstration.
