Material Engineering for a Circular Future

Design Smarter. Waste Less. Engineer a Circular Future.

The transition to a circular economy requires a deep understanding of how materials are designed, used, and recovered. As products become more complex—think batteries, packaging, and construction materials—so do the challenges of managing their lifecycle. This online course offers professionals the tools and insights to rethink material choices, reduce waste, and design for circularity from the start.

Material Engineering for a Circular Future exists to bridge the gap between sustainability goals and material realities. Through six expert-led modules filled with real-life case examples, learners explore strategies beyond recycling, such as repurposing, cascading use, and biodegradation. The course introduces circularity indicators in an accessible way and helps participants evaluate trade-offs and business opportunities in sustainable material design. What sets this course apart is its multidisciplinary teaching team and practical approach to complex materials—making it ideal for engineers, designers, R&D professionals, and sustainability experts working across the value chain.

Start

Any time: License for three (3) months starting from the order date

Registration information

Yulia Tikkanen, Project Manager

+358 10 837 3871

yulia.tikkanen@aaltoee.fi

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, you will be able to:

Explain the purpose and challenges of complex materials in modern applications.
Compare recycling, repurposing, cascading, and biodegradation strategies.
Evaluate recyclability using sustainability and thermodynamic principles.
Analyze trade-offs between societal benefits and environmental impacts.
Apply circular economy thinking to propose improved material choices and design strategies.

For

This course is designed for professionals who work with materials, product development, or sustainability and want to better understand how to integrate circular practices into their organization.

Whether you are responsible for assessing complex materials, meeting corporate sustainability targets, developing products or packaging, or shaping supply chain strategies, you will benefit from the insights and tools offered in this course. It is ideal for anyone seeking to strengthen their knowledge of material functionality and lifecycles, unlock new business opportunities through circular solutions, and gain access to real-world examples and expert guidance on circular material design.

This course is ideal for professionals who work with materials at any stage of their lifecycle, from design and production to reuse, recycling, or end-of-life management.

It is designed for participants with a basic to intermediate understanding of material science or sustainability. Suitable roles include engineers, designers, R&D specialists, sustainability managers, and educators. The content is relevant across sectors such as electronics, energy, automotive, packaging, textiles, and construction. It supports both large corporations and SMEs that want to strengthen their circular economy practices and make more sustainable material choices.

Content and Schedule

The course consists of six modules that explore how circular economy principles can be applied to complex materials. Topics include resource efficiency, end-of-life challenges, recycling strategies, alternative approaches beyond recycling, evaluating circularity, and designing materials for sustainability. Each module features real-life case examples from diverse industries such as electronics, packaging, and construction, supported by insights from a multidisciplinary team of experts.

This online course is worth 2 ECTS credits, equivalent to approximately 54 hours of study time. The course is structured into six modules featuring a combination of video lectures, curated readings, and hands-on assignments.

We recommend a relaxed schedule of 5–6 hours per week over 9–11 weeks, or a compact schedule of 6–8 hours per week over 6–8 weeks.

Learners have 3 months of access to the course materials, allowing flexibility to study at their own pace. To complete the course, participants must engage with all modules and pass the final assignment that evaluates their understanding of circularity strategies and material design.

Instructors

Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes is a Professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems at Aalto University, specializing in wood material technology. He holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Portsmouth University, an MSc in Forest Industries Technology, and a PhD in Wood Science from Bangor University.

After earning his PhD in 2000, Hughes worked as a research manager at the BioComposites Centre in the UK before moving to Finland in 2006. He became a full professor at Aalto University in 2007.

His research focuses on wood and composite materials, wood modification, and sustainable construction. In recent years, Hughes has explored how wood can improve building energy efficiency and how circular economy principles can be applied to the wood value chain. He also investigates the role of biomaterials in mitigating climate change. Hughes has authored around 100 scientific publications and several book chapters, contributing extensively to the field of sustainable materials and construction.

Anna Klemettinen

Anna Klemettinen is a University Lecturer in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at Aalto University.

Jukka Niskanen

Jukka Niskanen is an Assistant Professor at Aalto University’s Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, specializing in polymer engineering.

He leads the Polymer Synthesis Technology research group, focusing on the entire life cycle of polymers—from synthesis and material properties to recycling and reuse. His work emphasizes sustainable solutions, including bio-based materials such as cellulose and polyesters, and innovative applications like food packaging and advanced composites.

Niskanen earned his Ph.D. from the University of Helsinki in 2013 and has extensive international research experience, including postdoctoral work in Canada and Japan. Before joining Aalto in 2023, he worked as a Senior Scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing sustainable materials and circular economy practices.

Rodrigo Serna Guerrero

Rodrigo Serna Guerrero is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at Aalto University.

He leads the Mineral Processing and Recycling research group, which focuses on developing sustainable technologies for raw material production and recycling, particularly in the context of the circular economy. His research addresses challenges in mineral processing, battery recycling, and resource efficiency, combining experimental work with computational modeling to optimize processes.

Serna Guerrero earned his Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology from the University of Ottawa in 2010 and has been active in research since 2007. His expertise spans froth flotation, lithium-ion battery recycling, and green chemistry for mineral processing. He has published extensively on topics such as electrochemical discharge of batteries, process simulation for circularity, and environmental analysis of recycling systems, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption and production.

Program Fee and Registration

The fee for the Material Engineering for a Circular Future online course is € 300 (+ VAT).

This program has adopted Aalto EE's new Customer ID, and it is delivered on Aalto Learning Experience Alex e-learning environment. Before ordering, please visit aaltoee.fi/customerid.