TalTech Circular Economy Core Lab
TalTech Circular Economy Core Lab (RMTL) is a network of researchers and partners that accelerates the transition to a circular economy in Estonia and the Baltic region.
The Circular Economy Core Lab serves as a single point of contact for accessing Tallinn University of Technology’s circular economy expertise and services, as well as for facilitating different forms of collaboration. The role of the Circular Economy Core Lab is to create an environment for effective professional knowledge transfer in the field of the circular economy between the university and its partners.
The aim of the Circular Economy Core Lab is to help industry, as well as society more broadly, address the major challenges associated with the transition to a circular economy, challenges that require technological innovation and synergy.
TalTech Circular Economy Core Lab Activities
The Circular Economy Core Lab brings together research groups from across Tallinn University of Technology, covering a broad range of disciplines, from materials science to economics and research focused on sustainable societies.
Our activities focus on advancing the circular economy through three key areas:
- Fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation in the field of circular economy across the university
- Strengthening collaboration with businesses and industry to develop and implement circular economy solutions
- Promoting circular economy education and contributing to greater awareness and understanding of circular economy principles in society
TalTech Circular Economy Core Lab Focus Areas
- Collaborating with businesses and the public sector to turn research and expertise into practical outcomes
- Prototyping and testing new solutions in a laboratory environment
- Driving innovation through hackathons, hands-on projects and public discussions
Knowledge and Experience Sharing
- Stakeholder Club – a collaboration and knowledge-sharing platform bringing together businesses, researchers and public-sector representatives to discuss circular economy topics, exchange expertise and build new partnerships
- Annual Circular Economy Conference – a meeting place for experts, businesses and policymakers to share the latest knowledge, practical experience and emerging trends shaping the future of the circular economy
International Networks
- EIT RawMaterials – a European innovation network supporting research and development, innovation and international collaboration in the fields of raw materials, materials and the circular economy
- Baltic Circular Hotspot – a regional circular economy collaboration network that aims to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and resource-efficient economic model in the Baltic region through knowledge sharing and joint initiatives
TalTech Circular Economy Core Lab Steering Group
Prof Allan Niidu – Head of RMTL, Tenured Associate Professor, Head of Research Group - Applied Chemistry Reserach Group: Virumaa College, Member of the Senate - Senate, Member of the Committee for Academic Affairs - Committee for Academic Affairs
Prof Riina Aav – Founder and Scientific Director of RMTL, Tenured Full Professor - Division of Chemistry: Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Member of the Committee for Research - Committee for Research
Prof Tiia Plamus – Head of RMTL’s Education Area, Associate Professor on the teaching track, Head of Laboratory - Laboratory of Textile Technology: Department of Materials and Environmental Technology, Programme Director (Materials Technology) - Dean's Office at School of Engineering
Rutt Hints – Founder of RMTL, Senior Researcher, Head of Division - Division of Mineral Resources and Applied Geology: Department of Geology
Prof Jaan Kers – Tenured Associate Professor, Head of Laboratory - Laboratory of Wood Technology: Department of Materials and Environmental Technology, Programme Director (Technology of Wood, Plastic and Textiles) - Dean's Office at School of Engineering, Member of the Committee for Research - Committee for Research
Tarmo Tuisk – Project Specialist - Sustainable Value Chain Management Unit: Department of Business Administration
Karin Käär – Founder and Coordinator of RMTL, Representative of the Baltic Circular Hotspot and EIT RawMaterials networks
Information about field-specific expertise and competences is available here.
