Meet our new team member – Monika Kokko, Laboratory Technician

Spinnova has recently welcomed a new team member, Monika Kokko, as a Laboratory Technician to strengthen our analysis and development capabilities. With a background in textile chemistry and materials sustainability, Monika brings valuable expertise to the team.

“I’m a recent graduate from Aalto University’s Creative Sustainability Master’s Programme, where I focused on sustainable development solutions by combining chemical engineering, design, and business studies.

Alongside my degree, I also studied textile chemistry and textile design, which helped me build a deeper understanding of fibre materials and their manufacturing processes. For my master’s thesis, I focused on the lyocell process, examining how different wood species and hemicellulose affect fibre properties and process behaviour.

During my studies, I also worked at Halton Oy, where I initiated the company’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) process. I was involved in all stages, from data collection and calculations to reporting and managing the verification process, which gave me practical experience in life cycle assessment work.

My interest in the sustainability challenges of textile production began during my bachelor’s studies at LUT University, where I focused on textiles and wrote my thesis in environmental engineering on the carbon footprint of textile fibres. During this time, I also became interested in Spinnova while exploring new and alternative textile fibres. It stood out as a novel development in the industry, particularly due to its ability to utilise different raw material streams, including by-products and waste streams.

I have now spent a few months at Spinnova, working with the laboratory team on textile fibre and fabric testing and analysis. What interests me most is understanding the full process, that starts from raw material, formulation, and recipes all the way to the final material, and seeing how different factors affect the outcome. I’ve really enjoyed the hands-on nature of the work, as well as the variety that each day brings. The team has also been very welcoming, and I appreciate the collaborative atmosphere.

I see my work as part of Spinnova’s ambition to engineer the most sustainable textile fibre in the world, as the properties of materials and fabrics are closely connected to sustainability. Durable, high-quality textiles that last longer are inherently more sustainable than those that wear out quickly. That’s why testing and analysis play such an important role in developing better materials.

Looking ahead, I’m motivated to deepen my understanding of the entire textile development process and to better connect the different stages of it. I’m interested in learning how decisions made earlier in the process influence the final material, and how we can continue to improve both performance and sustainability.

My background and values also influence how I approach everyday life. Knowing how many resources go into producing materials has made me more conscious of my own consumption. I try to minimise what I buy and prefer second-hand options whenever possible. With the current pace of material production, our material resources, including recycled options, are limited, and we also need to focus on better materials and more mindful levels of consumption.

In my free time, I enjoy working with textiles myself, especially hand knitting garments. Currently, I’m getting to know Jyväskylä as a new place to call home, and I’ve especially enjoyed spending time in nature, taking in the beautiful summer landscapes and lake views. While I’m settling into this new environment, I still often travel to Southern Finland to visit friends and family.”

Monika Kokko, Laboratory Technician at Spinnova