VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Egg white powder is a widely used food ingredient, which means that a lot of hens have to be raised on a lot of farms, producing a lot of waste. There may soon be a greener alternative, however, thanks to a fungus which produces a key egg protein.

While no one likes seeing plastic waste floating in our waterways, tiny "microplastic" particles are also a threat to the aquatic environment – and to human health. A study now suggests that nanocellulose could be used to remove them from the water.

A new substance is claimed to combine strength and toughness, by mixing wood fibers with spider silk.

​Wood is an established and versatile construction material, used to build everything from high-rises and airports to apartment buildings. It also, however, is not immune to catching fire. A new coating could help keep that from happening, and it's actually made from wood.

Fly ash is generated during the manufacture of paper and cardboard, along with sludge. Most of it just ends up being dumped in landfills. That could be about to change, however, as scientists have discovered that it can also be used as a raw material in plastic goods.

VTT Technical Centre of Finland is aiming to bring solar energy into the realm of interior design by developing a new method of printing both decorative graphics and functional components onto flexible organic solar panels.