Circular Economy: the only way to Green Deal in Europe

Head: Rutt Hints

Institute: Geology

Keywords: Mineral resources, geochemistry, mineralogy, rare earth elements, ore-forming processes, geophysics, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen storage, and the circular use of permanent magnets.

Overview:

The Mineral Resources and Applied Geology Research Group focuses primarily on the formation, properties and distribution of critical raw materials. The group’s core expertise lies in sedimentary mineral resources, including metal-rich black shales, phosphorites and oil shales, as well as in assessing the potential of mineral resources found in deeper geological formations.

The research group also investigates opportunities for carbon capture, utilisation and geological storage (CCUS), as well as hydrogen storage. More recent research directions include the valorisation of mineral waste and the development of permanent magnet recycling solutions, thereby supporting the principles of the circular economy.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• TEM-TA100 “Variability of Properties of Associated Resources of Shelly Phosphorite and Opportunities for Beneficiation” (2024–2028)
• VHE20440 “Rare earth and magnets hub for a resilient Europe” (2024–2028)
• VHE24051 “Recognizing European potential for hosting deep land primary CRM by combining new mineral models and advanced exploration and visualization techniques” (2024–2027)

Read more: https://taltech.ee/en/department-geology/division-of-mineral-resources-and-applied-geology

Head: Tiia Plamus

Institute: Materials and Environmental Technology

Keywords: Textile materials, textile recycling, circular economy, reuse, technical design of clothing and textile products

Overview: The research group focuses on textile materials, textile recycling, circular economy, reuse, and the technical design of clothing and textile products. The group also participates in research and development projects related to the circular economy.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• TF24021EK2 “Centre of Excellence in Circular Economy for Strategic Mineral and Carbon Resources” (2024–2030)
• LITEE24096 “Development of a measurement methodology of LWIR range shielding effectiveness and a shielding material prototype”

Read more: https://taltech.ee/en/laboratory-of-textile-technology

Head: Jaan Kers

Institute: Materials and Environmental Technology

Keywords: Plywood, laminated veneer lumber, wood–polymer composites, composites based on agricultural crops and natural fibres, fire resistance, testing of bio-based adhesives, development and testing of furniture and upholstered furniture products

Overview:

The Wood Technology Laboratory investigates the potential of using lower-grade hardwoods for the production of veneers and veneer-based products, as well as the impact of wood properties on the strength of adhesive bonds. The laboratory also studies the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in timber construction, with a particular focus on the effects of moisture and temperature on crack formation.

In addition, the laboratory develops natural-fibre-based biocomposite materials, such as those incorporating hemp and reed fibres, and investigates ways to improve their fire safety. In collaboration with other laboratories, the team also develops cellulose-based thermoplastic materials for packaging applications.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• TEM-TA139 “Bio-based sustainable and fire-resistant composite materials developed from secondary raw materials” (2024–2028)
• MNKE22048 “The possibilities of using Estonian underutilized wood species in new veneer-based products” (2022–2024)
• MNKE22024 “WoodLCC – Enhanced Life-Cycle Costing in wood construction by novel methods for service life planning” (2022–2025)

Read more: https://taltech.ee/en/laboratory-wood-technology

Head: Kristiina Kaldas

Institute: Chemistry and Biotechnology

Keywords: Chemical technology, continuous processes, oil shale, oil shale ash, valorisation of secondary raw materials, biomass valorisation, dicarboxylic acids and their derivatives, oxidation

Overview:

The Industrial Chemistry Laboratory bridges fundamental chemical research and industrial applications, providing science-based solutions to challenges in chemical technology. Its main research areas include the valorisation of oil shale and oil shale ash, the reuse of industrial residues, and the development of sustainable chemical processes.

The laboratory works on both laboratory-scale experiments and the development of industrial applications, including new technologies for more efficient use of chemical industry processes and Estonia’s raw material resources.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• TEM-TA128 “Sustainable Conversion of the Organic Part of Mineral Resources and Secondary Raw Materials to High Value Chemicals” (2024–2028)
• MNKE23052 “Valorisation of oil shale ash into biodegradable chloride-free snow and deicing agents” (2023–2025)
• TTK13 “Infrastructure of Chemical Synthesis and Technology” (2025–2029)

Loe lisaks: https://taltech.ee/en/department-chemistry-biotechnology/industrial-chemistry-laboratory

Head: Riina Aav

Institute: Chemistry and Biotechnology

Keywords: Chemistry, organic compound analysis, green chemistry metrics

Overview:

The research group focuses on advancing sustainable chemistry by studying persistent pollutants generated during the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including their detection, analysis and separation. The group also develops environmentally friendly synthetic methods for the remediation of pollutants, as well as receptor molecules and their complexes.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• TK228 “Centre of Excellence in Circular Economy for Strategic Mineral and Carbon Resources” (2024–2030)
• VHE22039 “Innovative Mechanochemical Processes to synthesize green ACTIVE pharmaceutical ingredients” (2022–2026)
• PRG2169 “Self-assembled Chiral Hemicucurbiturils as a Versatile Platform for Supramolecular Sensing and Separation of Chiral Compounds” (2024–2028)
• ÕÜF17 “The Separation, Processing, and Recycling of Rare Earth Metals” (2023–2029)

Head: Allan Niidu

Institute: Chemistry and Biotechnology

Keywords: Metal–organic frameworks, CO₂ capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), heterogeneous catalysis and photocatalysis, adsorption, nanomaterials, liquid separation, oil shale as a feedstock for the chemical industry, mechanochemistry

Overview:

The research group’s expertise includes the integrated utilisation and valorisation of CO₂ and oil shale for the production of catalysts and adsorbents for use in the chemical industry. The group develops and applies catalysts for the oxidation of organic sulfur compounds, as well as adsorbents for removing sulfur compounds from liquid hydrocarbon streams.

The group also focuses on creating added value from mining waste and process water through the selective recovery and separation of valuable metals.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• ÕÜF16 “Circular valorization of non-fossile CO₂” (2023–2029)
• TEM-TA138 “Sustainable Artificial Internet of Things (SAIoT)” (2024–2028)
• TEM-TA96 “CO₂-derived carbon materials for energy storage and production” (2025–2028)

Loe lisaks: https://taltech.ee/en/research-groups/school-of-engineering

Research Group Representatives: Erik Väli (Head) and Karin Käär (Project Manager)

Institute: Geology

Keywords: Mining science, mineral technology, CO₂ mineral carbonation, circular economy, phosphorite, phytoremediation, entrepreneurship, ESG (environmental, social and governance principles)

Overview:

The Mining and Mineral Technology Research Group focuses on advancing mining science and technology, with an emphasis on the sustainable and safe use of Estonia’s mineral resources. Its research areas include the optimisation of mining technologies, reducing environmental impacts, mining waste management, circular economy solutions, mineral resource assessment, mining geochemistry, and ESG-based management.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:
 

• TEM-TA143 “Construction minerals and mineral waste: possibilities for sustainable extraction and circular processing in Estonia” (2024–2028)
• VHE22024 “Agile Exploration and Geo-modelling for European Critical Raw Materials” (2022–2025)
• VIR23025 “Stormwater purification with construction and demolition waste” (2023–2026)

Loe lisaks: https://taltech.ee/en/department-geology/division-of-mining-and-mineral-technology

Head: Olga Pihl

Institute: Virumaa College

Keywords: Waste-derived fuels, waste, co-pyrolysis, pyrolysis, hydrogenation, semi-coking, distillation, solid and liquid fuels, water and gas analysis, phenols, chemical composition

Overview:

The laboratory focuses on the analysis and thermal treatment of solid and liquid fuels. It holds accreditation certificate No. L059 for the analysis of liquid and solid fuels. Particular attention is given to the co-processing of different materials with oil shale.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• Study on the use of heavy plastics from lead-acid batteries in the oil shale processing industry
• “Valorisation of Oil Shale (Products) and Expansion of the Activities of the Oil Shale Competence Centre”
• Applied research on the microbiological treatment of oil shale and semi-coke
• “Oil Shale Competence Centre” project

Loe lisaks: https://taltech.ee/en/oil-shale-competence-center/services

Head: Aime Ruus

Institute: Tartu College

Keywords: Brownfield sites, shrinking and ageing cities, urban planning, concrete with recycled aggregates, construction materials, indoor climate, natural and reusable finishing materials

Overview: The Built Environment Research Group focuses on sustainable urban and regional planning and the development of the built environment. Its main research areas include the revitalisation of communities and urban spaces, preservation of cultural heritage, brownfield redevelopment, the study of historic buildings, construction materials, indoor climate, energy efficiency, the use of recycled materials in construction, and the application of cyber-physical systems in building and urban planning.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• VFP21013 “eMOTIONAL Cities” (2021–2025)
• VHE23079 “A PROactive approach for Communities to enAble Societal Transformation” (2024–2025)
• PR1144 “Quality Control of Knitwear Using Machine Vision” (2024–2025)

Loe lisaks: https://taltech.ee/en/tartu-college/research

Head: Sergei Preis

Institute: Materials and Environmental Technology

Keywords: Environmental technology, water treatment, air purification, soil remediation, advanced oxidation processes, pulsed corona discharge plasma, catalytic and photocatalytic processes

Overview: The Environmental Technology Research Laboratory develops solutions for the treatment of water, air and soil using advanced oxidation processes, plasma-based, catalytic and photocatalytic technologies. Its research focuses on the removal of persistent pollutants and the development of energy-efficient treatment methods for the effective degradation of microorganisms, viruses and volatile organic compounds.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• ETAG22018 “Utilization of Aluminium-Bearing Raw Materials for the Production of Aluminium Metal, Other Metals and Compounds” (2022–2025)
• VIR23025 “Stormwater Purification with Construction and Demolition Waste” (2023–2026)
• TF24021EK2 “Centre of Excellence in Circular Economy for Strategic Mineral and Carbon Resources” (2024–2030)

Loe lisaks: https://taltech.ee/en/laboratory-environmental-technology

Research Laboratory Representatives: Andres Trikkel (Head) and Mai Uibu (Member)

Institute: Materials and Environmental Technology

Keywords: Phosphorite, graptolite argillite, oil shale ash, precipitated calcium carbonate, greenhouse gases, thermal analysis

Overview:

The Inorganic Materials Research Laboratory conducts fundamental and applied research in the chemistry and technology of inorganic materials. Its research focuses on developing materials with novel properties and identifying new applications for Estonia’s mineral resources.

The laboratory also develops solutions for reducing, reusing and environmentally sustainable management of industrial emissions and waste.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• PRG1779 “Phosphorus Fertilisers and Rare Metals from Estonian Phosphorite in a Waste-Free Way” (2023–2027)
• TEM-TA87 “Complex Recovery of Mineral Mining and Industrial Waste as Secondary Raw Material in the Context of Eco-Conscious Building Materials and Hydrometallurgy”
• TEM-TA100 “Variability of Properties of Associated Resources of Shelly Phosphorite and Opportunities for Beneficiation” (2024–2028)

Loe lisaks: https://taltech.ee/en/laboratory-inorganic-materials

Research Group Representatives: Karin Pachel (Head) and Viktoria Voronova (Member)

Institute: Civil Engineering and Architecture

Keywords: Water management, waste management, life cycle assessment, composting, anaerobic digestion

Overview:

The research group focuses on sustainable water and waste management. Its water-related research covers pressures affecting water quality, river pollution loads, diffuse pollution, engineering solutions for water supply and sewerage systems, as well as wastewater and sewage sludge.

Waste management research includes the planning and optimisation of waste management and treatment systems, life cycle assessment of various products, carbon footprint calculations, and laboratory studies of biodegradable materials, including composting and anaerobic digestion for biogas production. The group also develops training and educational materials.

The research group has access to a dedicated Water Quality Research and Testing Laboratory.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• VEU23019EA “Implementation of National Climate Change Adaptation Activities in Estonia” (2023–2032)
• VEU19017 “Development of an Integrated Water Management and Its Modern Tools in Estonia – Strategic Choices for the Future” (2019–2028)
• PRG1487 “Engineering Tools of Stratified Flow Processes in the Built Environment” (2022–2026)

Loe lisaks: https://taltech.ee/en/water-and-environmental-engineering-research-group

Research Group Representatives: Jarek Kurnitski (Head) and Simo Ilomets (Member)

Keywords: Building physics, HVAC systems (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), building services systems, indoor climate, indoor air quality (IAQ), radon, building energy efficiency

Overview:

During its relatively short existence, the Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings Research Group has contributed significantly to the development of energy efficiency methodologies for buildings in Estonia. The group has also contributed to the development of technical definitions for nearly zero-energy buildings at the European level, as well as to the development of Estonian nearly zero-energy building requirements and technical solutions for building renovation.

Estonia was reportedly the second country in Europe, after Denmark, to introduce regulatory requirements for nearly zero-energy buildings. This provided the construction sector with the longest possible transition period before the requirements came into force, while also creating opportunities to develop export-ready products and solutions.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• TF24019 “Centre of Excellence in Energy Efficiency” (2024–2030)
• TEM-TA78 “Data-driven Assessment of the Potential and Impact of Energy Saving Flexibility Technologies in Buildings” (2024–2028)

Loe lisaks: https://taltech.ee/en/nearly-zero-energy-buildings-research-group

Head: Anton Rassõlkin

Institute: Electrical Power Engineering and Mechatronics

Keywords: Mechatronic systems design and control, drive systems, digital twins, UGV and UAV simulations, machine vision applications

Overview:

Mechatronics is one of the most dynamic fields of engineering, combining expertise in information technology, electronics, optics and mechanical systems. The Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems Research Group contributes to the advancement of the field through research and development in these areas.

Modern vehicles—including various forms of electric transportation, such as electric cars, as well as unmanned ground and aerial vehicles—require continuous optimisation of energy efficiency. To support this goal, the research group develops a range of experimental platforms and digital twins.

To extend vehicle service life and reduce the risk of failures, the group investigates ways of combining real and virtual sensors with artificial intelligence to enable more reliable monitoring, diagnostics and predictive maintenance.

Loe lisaks: https://taltech.ee/en/mechatronics-and-autonomous-systems

Research Group Representatives: Wolfgang Gerstlberger (Head) and Tarmo Tuisk (Member)

Institute: School of Business and Governance

Keywords: Sustainable business development, operations management, sustainable innovation, environmental economics, green economy, smart supply chain management, organisational learning, data science

Overview:

The Sustainable Value Chain Management Research Group focuses on developing, planning, implementing and evaluating growth and innovation opportunities for businesses, based on corporate strategy and sustainability principles.

The group’s research brings together expertise from business management, circular economy, environmental economics, production, innovation, information technology and social sciences. Key research areas include digitalisation, smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, big data, strategic collaboration networks, and enhancing business competitiveness.

Circular Economy-Related Projects:

• ÕÜF22 “Just Transition Governance Models and Entrepreneurship Pathways: Monitoring and Analyses” (2024–2028)
• MNKE25114 “Economic Analyses in the Process of Updating the 4th Period River Basin Management Plans” (2025–2027)
• VERT25031 “Development of Dynamically Changing Curricula in ESG Education Supported by Generative AI” (2025–2027)
• PRG1573 “Economic Complexity, Machine Learning and Economic Policy” (2022–2025)

Loe lisaks: https://taltech.ee/en/department-business-administration/research-groups