Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) is developing methods for the economical mass production of bioactive paper products by using, for example, printing technology. Consumers may have access to the first applications in five years.

The goal of VTT's research project is to create basic concepts for developing new products, such as filters for indicating environmental allergens or removing them from cars and homes. Other possible applications include test paper slips revealing allergens in swimming or drinking water.

A research project started this spring will create a basis for producing intelligent fibre-based products in a cost-efficient way. The work utilises forest and bioindustrial knowledge, and it creates potential for new products in both sectors.

Bioactive paper is a product that includes functionalities based on the selective reactions of biomolecules, such as enzymes or antibodies. The scope of application looks to be wide.

In printed intelligence applications, the paper's competitiveness lies in the fact that it is biodegradable, which is important in terms of sustainable development.

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