LignoSphere_kuva_puu3_Vilja_Pursiainen

A science-based innovation from the pulp mill is convincing investors with its core messages

Communication design is anything but marketing and advertising. It’s used to define the purpose of a company or project’s existence and the basis of communication. We helped Lignosphere, which aims to transform from a research project into a business, to encapsulate its unique value into a strategically and visually convincing form.

Client: Aalto University / LignoSphere research project 

Date: Spring 2020

Why was the work done?

The LignoSphere technology offers a healthy and sustainable alternative to formaldehyde-containing adhesives and coatings. As few similar alternatives exist so far, the commercial potential of LignoSphere is huge. At its best, the product could replace other formaldehyde-containing glues and coatings in both the consumer and professional markets. 

Our client, Aalto University’s LignoSphere research project, wanted to define the core of its existence both strategically and visually before commercialisation. 

Researchers do their work with passion. It also spreads to us and is reflected in the end result.

Aurora Airaskorpi, creative director, Kaskas Media

What did we do?

The goal of our collaboration was a well-thought-out basis of communication that emphasises scientific expertise, supports the transmission of research information, attracts collaboration partners and funders, and lays the foundation for future branding of the technology. The technology had not been communicated about at all before, so the entire foundation had to be built from scratch. The aim was to emphasise the team’s deep scientific expertise and the unique, environmentally friendly, healthy and secure features of the technology being developed.

We began the work by defining the strengths and differentiating factors of the LignoSphere team and its innovation. Based on this, we then built a visual identity for the website. We crystallised LignoSphere’s identity into texts that are suitable for use both at product demonstrations and on the website. 

The work included defining the strategic values, core messages, target audiences and tone of voice, the visual look, website design and unique photographs. 

Kaskas’ strong substantive expertise in science communication facilitated the encapsulation of LignoSphere’s core messages. In the facilitated workshop activities, the team’s own understanding of the competitive factors made possible by the new technology and their effective communication to various stakeholders deepened. It resulted in a harmonious whole that looks like LignoSphere.

Jari Laine, Senior Innovation Advisor, Aalto University

How did it go?

LignoSphere’s communication material has been widely adopted in the team and the look has been praised by stakeholders. In early 2021, LignoSphere’s team will create a website based on the look and the company is expected to launch at the end of 2021.  

Other similar works by us

We have also carried out communication launching and visual identity works similar to LignoSphere for other science projects, such as Ioncell, Sudden and BioColour.