Potential of pulp- and paper industry side-streams for mycelium-based composites (MyCell)

MyCell aims to establish a scalable bio-circular value-chain by using paper- and pulp production side-streams as subtrates for mycelium-based composites (MBC), aligning with New European Bauhaus values.

Through research, co-creation, and prototyping, MyCell emphasizes the importance of waste valorization in regenerative architecture to address long-term carbon removal challenges.

For this project, the international team combines expertise in wood materials science, mycelium materials, and sustainable architecture to:

Develop a framework for using secondary waste materials in MBC production,
Demonstrate MBC's potential on varied paper substrates, and
Conceptualize architectural applications to showcase MBC's potential.

MyCell team at the UH: Milla Koponen, Nugrah Fadillah, Peter Petros, Tuula Jyske (PI at UH).

Project partners:

Group Jan Wurm, Professor for Regenerative Design and Biofabrication in Architecture, Department of Architecture, KU Leuven University, Belgium, and

Group Matti Kuittinen, Professor of Sustainable Construction, Department of Architecture, Aalto University, Finland.

Funding: Strategic partnership seed fund, University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and KU Leuven

Project duration: 23.1.2025 – 15.03.2026.