The goal of the research group is to achieve an established position in the development of sustainable value chains, smart biorefinery and food system solutions, and inthe development of bio-based CO2 capture and utilization methods, as well as in national and international networks
Members of the research group
Annakaisa Elo
Chief Specialist, PhD, Adjunct Professor. Environmental biotechnology and in circular economy. Resource-efficient material use and recycling, specializing in carbon and nutrient-saving processes. Expertise in biogas, biochar, microalgae technologies, and recycled fertilizers. CO2 capture, storage, and utilization, forestry and food industry side streams.
Svetlana Butylina
Chief Specialist PhD. Extraction and separation of biobased compounds from biomass, conversion of these compounds into multifunctional materials for various industrial applications, e.g., food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, pulp-and-paper, textile, etc. New technological pathways to enable the transition to low CO2 technology and valorization of underutilized biomasses.
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Mari Eronen
Researcher (M.Sc. in Circular Economy). Her areas of expertise include nutrient recycling and related legislation, renewable energy solutions especially in rural environments, and agroforestry. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Sustainability Science at LUT University.
Jarkko Nummela
Laboratory Coordinator, M.Sc. (Eng.). Areas of expertise include bioeconomy, bioprocesses, bioenergy, nutrient cycling, circular economy, biochar, biogas, and mechanical and equipment engineering.
Mikko Rahtola
RDI specialist. Areas of expertise include primary production and food processing, bioeconomy and circular economy, and the utilization of bio-based materials.
Riikka Savijärvi
RDI specialist. Areas of expertise include the bioeconomy and circular economy, as well as carbon capture and utilization (CCU) value chains. Multidisciplinary academic background: environmental policy, environmental sciences, and technology.
Maria Jäppinen
RDI specialist and project manager focusing on circular economy solutions, waste management efficiency, and promoting sustainable development. He has over 10 years of experience in environmental expert roles and is writing his doctoral thesis on optimizing biowaste sorting.
Mikko Nikunen
Project Manager, FM. Key areas of expertise: analytical chemistry, analysis of bio-based fractions and refined products. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies related to the analysis of bio-refined products at the University of Eastern Finland.
Joonas Mustonen
Development Manager. Responsible for coordinating the laboratory infrastructure that supports research and development activities. His background is in materials science and industrial physics, and he is currently completing his doctoral thesis on industrial applications of ultrasound. His research expertise also includes examining the technical and economic constraints of value chains for the beneficial use of carbon dioxide.
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Liisa Peri
Liisa holds degrees in Biochemistry (M.Sc.) and Business Administration with a focus on Marketing (BBA). This interdisciplinary background strengthens her work particularly in research and industry collaboration. Her focus lies in strategic networking and stakeholder engagement, especially within the bioeconomy sector.
Kati Mustonen
Lecturer in Environmental Technology (MSc) and PhD student focusing on utilizing side streams from the forest industry in composites. Extensive expertise in the utilization of forest industry side streams in various applications. Over 20 years of experience in the forest industry, both in factory settings and as a consultant.
Tuula Penate Medina
PhD in biochemistry with a strong background in chemistry. PhD in biophysics on the biological use of lipid membranes from the University of Helsinki. Since her PhD, she has studied the biological functions of signaling lipids and has spent almost ten years researching and developing liposomal transporters for medical applications in the USA and Germany. She works as a lecturer and tutor in the Biomaterials and Food Technology Engineering (BET) degree programm and as a specialist at LAB Food.
Projects
Waste4Soil
Improving food systems sustainability and soil health with food processing residues.
HIILIKETJU project
HIILIKETJU-project aims to create new economic ecosystems based on BioCO2, and eventually create new, profitable business models on capturing and utilizing CO2.
CircSyst
Circular Systemic Solutions for Plastic, Packaging, Bio-Waste, and Water.
Publications
Kajolinna, T., Balshakou, S. & Mustonen, J. 2025. Assessment of carbon dioxide quality from industrial point sources for carbon utilization. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control. 148. 104527. December 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijggc.2025.104527
Nikunen, M., Eronen, E., Kekäläinen, T. & Jänis, J. 2025. Compositional Analysis of Wheat Straw, Barley Straw, and Birch Wood Hemicelluloses via Direct-Infusion Electrospray Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry. ACS Sustainable Resource Management. Vol 2. Issue 11. 24.10.2025. DOI: 10.1021/acssusresmgt.5c00254
Install, J., Zupanc, A., Nikunen, M., Jänis, J. & Repo T. 2023. Lactose utilisation to furan carboxylates: a unique source for platform molecules. Green Chemistry. 26. Issue 3. December 2024. 1381-1386. DOI: 10.1039/d3gc04317g
Articles and blogs
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Bioeconomy innovations can replace non-renewable raw materials – LAB Biofine aims to make South Karelia a hub for bioeconomy
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Green Solvents Pilot Environment to become part of LAB Biofine’s Pilot Plant
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Multipurpose materials provide a competitive edge and access to new markets
- LAB Focus blogs biological cycles
Contact info
lab [dot] fi