"Cellulose and fibre technologies are key to promoting sustainable solutions and breakthroughs in the bioeconomy. UPM's donation will enable us to strengthen and further develop this important area for the benefit of students and the whole society. I am very pleased with our school's long-standing partnership with UPM and grateful for this donation," says Dean Kristiina Kruus from the School of Chemical Engineering.
UPM is developing and testing new fibre-based and bio-stream-based growth concepts for pulp mills in collaboration with research institutes.
"Pulp is at the heart of the bioeconomy. It is very important to us that high-quality pulp research and education continue both in Finland and internationally. We appreciate the long-term work done by Aalto University Wood Chemistry research group, and therefore we wanted to support its activities with a donation," says Petri Hakanen, UPM's Senior Vice President, Technology.
Wood chemistry research provides the basis for future innovations.
"I believe that the demand for skilled bio- and circular economy experts will grow both in industry and in other sectors," Hakanen continues.
Photos: Aalto university, Mikko Raskinen