Becoming a Pioneer in Industrial Circular Economy
The Circular Economy Centre operates in the Kemi–Tornio region, which accounts for 80% of Lapland’s industrial output and generates over €5 billion in annual exports. Established in 2017 by Digipolis, the City of Kemi and Lapland University of Applied Sciences, the Centre accelerates circular‑economy business by providing expert support, funding pathways, networking, and pilot‑to‑scale services. Its early momentum was reinforced when Lapland was designated by the European Commission as a model region for sustainable processing of natural resources in 2014.
The Centre launched Finland’s eco‑industrial park network and co‑founded the Nordic Industrial Symbiosis Network. Flagship initiatives include the Industrial Circular Economy Knowledge Platform (TKO), Lapland Circular Economy 2.0, and the Lapland Industrial Circular Economy Accelerator, in order to strengthen capabilities, investment readiness and SME pilots of the Cluster. Through the European ICEI‑A alliance, the Centre helps speeding up circular economy investments, and it contributes regularly to the World Circular Economy Forum (including e.g., a session on eco-industrial parks with over 300 participants in 2021). Key publications prepared by the Cluster include the Guide to Establishing an Eco‑Industrial Park and the Circular Economy Pilot Handbook.
Success stories of the Cluster
The Circular Economy Centre’s impact is reflected in numerous successful initiatives and partnerships that strengthen industrial circular economy in Lapland, across Finland, and internationally.
The Arctic Circular Economy Forum ( ACEF) has become Finland’s flagship circular economy event. Held annually in Kemi, ACEF brings together companies from multiple industries and has been sold out for two consecutive years. High participant satisfaction underscores its growing relevance and national visibility.
The Network of Eco-Industrial Parks, initiated by the Circular Economy Centre, is a unique national collaboration platform in Finland promoting industrial symbiosis, knowledge exchange, legislative influence and international visibility. It supports regions in developing new eco‑industrial ecosystems through shared expertise and practical tools.
The KIRSI recycled fertilizer project develops new fertilizer solutions from industrial side streams for agriculture and forestry. It brings together a committed group of companies and research organizations, fostering sustainable resource use, new business opportunities, and technological innovation in Lapland.
The RISE project – Resilient Innovation Ecosystems for EU Value Chains has strengthened SME innovation capacity across Europe. From 30 identified project ideas, 15 were further developed into investment-ready cases, supporting companies in funding applications, business development and networking. In Lapland, RISE supports Pohjois-Suomen Biokaasu Oy in expanding regional biogas production capacity.
Together, these success stories highlight how collaboration, expertise and long-term development build a strong foundation for industrial circular economy – regionally, nationally and internationally.
