Our People behind ABiCo series highlights the experts whose work drives the project forward. The first feature introduces Tuomas Sormunen from VTT, whose research focuses on improving the circularity of materials through data and optical identification. In ABiCo, Tuomas investigates how machine‑learning–based optical spectroscopic methods can reveal key characteristics of biocomposites and support more accurate sorting in complex waste streams — an essential step toward higher‑value recycling.
The study provides a comprehensive review of 99 research articles and shows how LCA is currently used to evaluate circular strategies such as resource efficiency, waste minimization, and end‑of‑life planning. While sectors like construction and automotive demonstrate strong adoption of multiple circular approaches, other industries remain less explored. The review also identifies gaps in methods, data, and standardization—offering guidance for future research and policy development.
The Finnish circular‑economy trade media Uusiouutiset has published an article showcasing recent developments in biocomposites carried out within the ABiCo consortium. The piece highlights progress in improving fire resistance, weather durability, and recyclability, and illustrates how these advancements open new opportunities for biocomposites in more demanding applications.
The article includes insights from Kirsi Immonen, VTT and Kari Aaltonen, NG Nordic, who share both research and industry perspectives on the evolving performance requirements of biocomposite materials.
We will continue sharing ABiCo developments in the next issue of MuoviPlast, Finland’s leading plastics‑industry trade magazine, in April.
A new article by Amir Togiani and co-authors in the Journal of Cleaner Production explores how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) supports and validates Circular Design (CD) strategies across industries. The study highlights how LCA helps identify opportunities for resource efficiency, waste reduction, and end-of-life planning, while also pointing out underexplored areas such as product longevity and circular business models. With insights drawn from 99 studies, the article demonstrates LCA’s critical role in advancing sustainable innovation and guiding industries toward more effective circular solutions.
Advanced Biocomposites with Circular Design (ABiCo) project brings together a consortium of five leading Finnish research institutions and multiple company partners representing key industries and end-use application areas. The ABiCo project was set up to address a specific industry challenge as companies have been increasingly searching for more sustainable alternatives to plastics and other fossil-based composite materials, which are still largely dominating the current composite materials landscape.