The new center is a continuum for the Center of Water Efficiency Excellence, which Kemira initially established together with VTT in Finland. The center in São Paulo aims to implement the newest water technology research in the growing South American market. Important focus areas will be biomass, bioethanol, pulp and applications for the oil and mining industries.

The primary function of VTT’s new unit in Brazil will be to form partnerships with local enterprises and research institutions in turning biomass into chemicals, energy (biofuels), and pulp-based products. In addition to Kemira, VTT also hopes to form close partnerships with other Finnish enterprises in Brazil. Finnish industrial companies are already operating in the country and many have invested heavily in the local market.

VTT aims to grow the new unit into a team of 10 research scientists by the end of 2011 and a genuine research center of 15 - 20 employees by the end of 2012. The Brazilian unit will operate under VTT International Ltd as part of VTT Group.