European industry stands at a turning point. Dependence on fossil-based raw materials must be reduced, and new, more sustainable material solutions must be found.
The title of Tallinn University of Technology’s Researcher of the Year 2025 has been awarded to Professor Andres Krumme, Professor of Biopolymer Technology. The award was presented on 27 February at the Independence Day ceremony at TalTech.
Professor Maarja Grossberg-Kuusk, Director of the Department of Materials and Environmental Technology, emphasised the significance of the recognition:
“Professor Andres Krumme is not merely developing new materials — he is helping to shape the direction of entire industries. His research enables a reduction in the use of fossil-based plastics and supports the introduction of bio-based solutions with tangible impact on both the economy and the environment. This is research that creates the future rather than describing the past.”
At the heart of Krumme’s work lies a fundamental question: how to replace petroleum-based plastics with materials derived from natural resources. His research group is focused on transforming cellulose obtained from wood into a strong, mouldable material suitable for packaging, components, and a wide range of everyday products.
To achieve this, the team develops novel bio-based additives and processing methods that give cellulose plastic-like properties. A pilot-scale production line has also been launched in the laboratory to manufacture new cellulose-based materials — an important step from fundamental research to industrial application.
Krumme’s impact extends well beyond the laboratory. In collaboration with European research institutions and industrial partners, his team develops solutions enabling the use of bio-based materials in packaging, the automotive industry, and energy storage. He also leads the project “Infrastructure of wood valorisation and analysis" (PUUTAR), which brings together three universities and 14 research units to strengthen Estonia’s scientific capacity in wood chemistry.
Andres Krumme
- Supervised 11 doctoral theses, 4 postdoctoral researchers, and 18 master’s theses
- Currently (co-)supervising 6 doctoral candidates from three universities
- TalTech Lecturer of the Year 2021
- Award for Excellence in Science and Technology Communication 2021
- Research Professor at the Estonian Academy of Sciences (2025–2027)
- Published 25 ETIS category 1.1 articles (2023–2025)
- Two patent applications
- Ongoing research projects include:
“New biomaterials made by reactive extrusion from cellulose and by-products of vegetable oil production” and “Infrastructure of wood valorisation and analysis”