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Who are we?

ARCTIC EXPERTS

The circular economy is every business’s business. Finnish companies can be at the forefront of seeking new growth from the business models of a circular economy. 

At the Circular Economy Centre, we know how a circular economy can be turned into profitable business – we have done it before with companies large and small. 

Our experts are at your service: we can help you by applying for funding, introducing future partners, and by creating local, national and international networks. 

We know the best practices in the field and can solve any problems that may arise.

We work for better business and a better world. 

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Our team

INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT

Ella works with local companies and knows business and industry in the Kemi-Tornio region like the back of her hand. She maps out various funding solutions for companies with the underlying idea of making the area more favourable for businesses and entrepreneurship. In her spare time, she likes to wander in the forests with her pack of dogs or show them around Europe.

If you are a local entrepreneur, Ella is THE person to contact. Maternity leave.

Ella Saarenpää

Business Advisor

+358 45 278 0780

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KIMMO MAKES IT HAPPEN!

The managing director is responsible for the overall operations of the company. Kimmo has successfully navigated the world of development for over twenty years. As the leader of the company’s administration, he creates the prerequisites for the work of our expert team, and regularly rolls up his sleeves himself. Recently, Kimmo's days have been filled also with duties as the director of economic vitality for the city of Kemi.  
He does not have the problem of having too much free time on his hands.

Kimmo Heikka

CEO

+358 40 555 8020

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PASSION FOR FORESTS

When talking to Tytti, you will soon find yourself talking about timber production in managed forests and industrial wood construction as a long-awaited driver for change in the building sector. Tytti is a seasoned expert in forests and forestry, and she is widely renowned in circular economy networks as a leading expert in circular economy solutions for the built environment. After a nice forest-themed chat, Tytti will change into her outdoor gear, grab a clearing saw or bucket and head off. To the forest, obviously.

Tytti – your expert of choice in timber and construction.

Tytti Ahoranta

Project Manager, Circular Economy Solutions for the Built Environment

+358 40 504 2257

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Good customer service at heart

Leena has known the company and its team members for nearly 20 years. She has customer service at heart and everyone around her is embraced by her easy-going nature and her expertise. Leena’s tasks include communication with partners, the internal communications of Digipolis, administration and day-to-day matters of the personnel. Extensive project tasks give an extra boost to workdays. Our energetic customer relationship manager balances hectic work with wandering in the forests, and listening to music and podcasts. Occasionally, she immerses herself in the detail-rich puzzles of Jan van Haasteren – the best way to clear your mind!

If you have any questions related to customer relationships, partners, administration or projects, Leena is your answer.

Leena Enbuske

Customer Relationship Manager

+358 40 831 8486

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THE BEST ROUTES ON THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY MAP

The compass of our jovial leader shows a clear direction for the Circular Economy Centre: we want to be an even stronger, better and more interesting partner in the circular economy. Tuomas is a keen all-year-round orienteer and is sure to guide you safely and swiftly to exactly where you want to go. Tuomas has extensive experience in the industry and he is an efficient networker at a local, national and international level. 

Find the best route to the circular economy for your business with Tuomas!

Tuomas Pussila

Director, Circular Economy Centre

+358 50 461 1236

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ACCELERATING THE HYDROGEN & CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Janne’s main task is to visit companies in the region and identify potential business opportunities from a hydrogen and circular economy. He has extensive experience in the plastics industry and business in southern Finland, and now he has moved back to the north, bringing his insight with him. One of his projects was to map out the opportunities from using excess plastics in business. Janne relaxes by exploring the outdoors with his dog and working on his house.

Find out how Janne can help accelerate your business through a hydrogen and circular economy.

Janne Rautio

Project Manager, Hydrogen & Circular Economy

+358 40 196 1114

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OUR VOICE IN THE WORLD

Soile is a seasoned expert in PR. She helps and inspires us to tell the world about our work at the Circular Economy Centre without beating about the bush or using engineering jargon. She is responsible for our social media, filming, writing articles, updating our website and ensuring that our message is loud and clear. A wintertime city-dweller, Soile spends all her summers on the banks of the river, close to nature.

Soile is happy to help you with everything related to PR and communications.

Soile Suvanto

Communications Manager

+358 400 405 290

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TUULA ROLLS UP HER SLEEVES WITH YOU

Tuula knows the Sea-Lappi area, its people and its businesses really well. If you don’t know her yet, becoming friends with our cheerful business advisor takes no time at all! Tuula has extensive experience in finance, and she sees the circular economy as hobby: she has rescued three old barns in her yard for reuse.

Tuula is handy with drills, saws and hammers, but she also enjoys swimming and walking in the forest with her dogs.

If you need help establishing a company, someone to spar with about your business ideas or financing solutions, or work supervisory services, Tuula is happy to help!

Tuula Saarela

Business Advisor

+358 40 128 7272

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PIRKKA BELIEVES IN CO-OPERATION

Although Pirkka Junes navigates smoothly in international waters, the man from the north has never forgotten the daily life of a regular Finnish SME entrepreneur. Quite the contrary – Pirkka is happy to place his expertise and networks at your disposal. He has extensive expertise in entrepreneurship, both in fair winds and rough seas. He has also worked for several years at a bank in the private business segment. Pirkka spends his free time outdoors or with a tennis racket. He enjoys cooking, and his barbecue season lasts for an impressive 12 months a year!
If you need new networks or help related to your international projects, Pirkka is the one to contact.

Pirkka Junes

Project Specialist

+ 358 40 525 0178

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JANI FORWARDS YOUR IDEAS

Project Specialist Jani Mäläskä works in our AURORAL projects that exploit digitalisation in making logistics more efficient. Jani has 20 years of experience in various tasks in logistics field: as a production and supervision expert, and in recent years also as an entrepreneur.
Jani is innovative and inspired by new opportunities. He spends his free time playing ball games, especially football, and chilling with his family.

When you want to put the wheels in motion, get in touch with Jani.

Jani Mäläskä

Project Specialist

+358 40 1875720

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A VERSATILE COMMUNACIOTION ECONOMIST AND AN EXPERT IN NETWORKING

This returnee to Lapland has experience in the communication tasks of listed companies and the industries of Sea Lapland. Päivi has worked for the government in the development tasks regarding abrupt structural changes. With her "ÄRM" background, she knows the area's network of companies, educational institutions, and authorities well.

When you want to discuss about placement arrangements and cooperation opportunities in an industry transition situation, Päivi is your ideator and network contact person.

Päivi Keisu

Project Manager

+358 46 920 2552

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SAMPSA BUILDS COOPERATION BETWEEN COMPANIES

Sampsa Vuori is a development-minded engineer who thinks of ways to do things better. Sampsa, who was the plant manager of SMA Mineral in Tornio, focuses on biochar, carbon dioxide recovery and hydrogen economy in the Circular Economy Center.

Relaxing in nature and going fishing provide a good counterbalance to working with people.

Contact Sampsa if you are interested in Meri-Lappi as a location for your company, if you want to develop your business or cooperate with other companies.

Sampsa Vuori

Project Specialist

+358 40 7122 360

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