Although investment projects in the circular economy are hindered by financial issues or prolonged permitting processes, the two-day ACEF2025 forum inspired confidence in the business potential of the circular economy for both large and small companies. Some development projects can also be swift, such as Lapland University of Applied Sciences' TEQU concept, where a company receives a prototype within a month. According to Tuomas Pussila, Director of the Circular Economy Center, the ACEF2025 forum was a success.
Emilia Launne Photo Videcam
Project Manager Emilia Launne presented the TEQU concept from Lapland University of Applied Sciences, where a prototype is created for a company in a month.
“Often small companies lack the resources for development, and the TEQU concept addresses this need. We create a prototype for the company in a month. Our team includes experts from various fields—engineers, designers, legal professionals, etc. We also have our own development environment, and if a phase cannot be completed in-house, we can outsource services like specialized testing environments,” explains Launne.
Hands in the Sawdust
At the ACEF2025 forum on June 4, Launne showcased a prototype developed for Vaara Sawmill. “There’s a lot of waste material at the sawmill, and we began to consider whether it could be used in intermediate lamella for logs. I got to put my hands in the sawdust,” Launne says.
After several trials and testing phases, the desired result was achieved. “Failure is part of the process. By the fifth board, we were satisfied. We jump from one field to another and ask silly questions—that’s how the process moves forward,” Launne describes.
The eight-member expert team works at a fast pace due to tight schedules. “In this case, we completed a prototype for the log core. The service is free for the company. Since we are a public project operator, all phases of the process are publicly available on our website,” Launne adds.
Circular Economy Center Supports Small Businesses
Jani Mäläskä, Matti Lehto, Timo Heiskanen and Annaleena Laakso. Photo Videcam
At the ACEF2025 forum in Kemi on June 4, representatives discussed how companies have benefited from the Circular Economy Center’s work. The School Transport app, developed in collaboration with companies and the Center, helps reduce environmental impact. It is used by NET-Matkat in Tornio and was first implemented in Kemi by Heiskanen’s Transport for school rides. “The app has brought us significant benefits by eliminating unnecessary trips,” says operator Timo Heiskanen.
The app was developed in collaboration with the University of Oulu and Centria University of Applied Sciences, and a follow-up project is in the works. “The app could potentially be used in other areas, such as tourism,” suggests project specialist Jani Mäläskä.
At Meri-Lappi Central Laundry, sustainability has been developed for years. The Circular Economy Center joined when the company began exploring how to utilize waste heat. “Jani has been a great help and connected us with Lapland universities’ waste heat project. Experts have conducted measurements, and progress has been made,” says CEO Annaleena Laakso.
Outokumpu is Finland’s Largest Recycling Hub
Petri Mure Photo Videcam
Petri Mure, Sustainability Director at Outokumpu Stainless Oy, noted that while many know Tornio’s steel plant is a major producer, fewer realize it is also Finland’s largest recycling hub.
Although sustainability is often associated with environmental concerns—such as reducing CO2 emissions—social responsibility is also important. “When I started about 20 years ago, statistically an Outokumpu employee had a workplace accident once every ten years. Now the figure is about once every 300 years—I’ll probably retire before that happens. We also require social responsibility from our subcontractors,” Mure emphasizes.
Tapojärvi Evolved into a Circular Economy Company
Mari Pilventö Photo Videcam
Tapojärvi’s acting CEO, Mari Pilventö, explained that the family-owned company from Tornio began collaborating with Rautaruukki (now SSAB) in the 1970s and is also known for its partnership with Outokumpu.
“Since the 1980s, we’ve been looking at side streams and thinking about what we could do with them. In 2009, we began systematically tracking them, and now we have a 20-person R&D team dedicated to circular economy ideas,” Pilventö says.
“In 2018, we signed a €40 million investment agreement for our own enrichment plant in Terni, Italy, and made a similar investment in Finland,” she adds.
“Currently, 120,000 tons of circular economy products are produced annually in Italy. We aim to continue in this direction, producing increasingly high-level circular economy products,” Pilventö states.
Ice Cave Brought Visitors Closer to Companies
Jonna Tiitinen, Jukka Kurttila, Mika Impiö, Veli-Matti Marttala, Jussi Aarnivuo and Tuomas Pussila Photo Videcam
In the Ice Cave’s “My Favorite Piece” chamber, the theme was creativity. The task was to create earrings from circular economy materials for a famous band from Kemi. The session was led by entrepreneur Jonna Tiitinen of My Favorite Piece.
This year, the forum introduced a new twist in the Ice Cave, where five companies—ABB’s Jussi Aarnivuo, Finlayson’s Jukka Kurttila, My Favorite Piece’s Jonna Tiitinen, Northern Finland Biogas’s Mika Impiö, and Tapojärvi’s Veli-Matti Marttala—presented five different circular economy cases.
The caves hosted discussions on financing, creativity, responsibility, and product development in the circular economy. “The idea was to mix things up—not only by forming diverse groups but also by pushing participants out of their comfort zones. I visited all the groups and found the discussions fruitful. We concluded by summarizing the cave sessions with all participants,” says Pussila.
Meri-Lappi Offers Excellent Logistics for Circular Economy
Kemi’s Mayor, Matti Ruotsalainen, praised the region’s excellent location. “Kemi and Meri-Lappi’s super strength is logistics—we’re a junction to everywhere. This has been true for 150 years,” he says.
Ruotsalainen welcomed progress in the European rail process. “The strengths of the North have been recognized regardless of the minister. We no longer need to explain the basics to the South,” he smiles.
Kimmo Heikka, Director of Vitality for Kemi and CEO of Kemin Digipolis Oy, noted that the Invest in Veitsiluoto project has recorded 107 companies interested in Kemi. “Over the past year, most cases have involved hydrogen industry, and companies first ask about carbon dioxide. We are now actively exploring pipeline options. Most cases involve the circular economy in some way,” Heikka explains.
ACEF2025 Forum Deemed a Success
Elisha Boie and models Photo Videcam
This year’s surprise event at the ACEF2025 forum was a fashion show by designer Elisha Boie, who lives in Kemi. The clothes were made from plastic waste. Boien’s designs have also been featured in fashion shows in Paris and Helsinki.
Forum host Tuomas Pussila, Director of the Circular Economy Center, said the event was a success. “The event was fully booked with over 140 attendees. Some stayed for two days, others for one. This attracted more companies than before.”
Pussila described the forum atmosphere as relaxed and conversational, with time for networking and recreation. “The surprise fashion show fit well with the circular economy theme, and the audience embraced it. We aim to create an engaging setting, but ultimately, it’s the presenters and guests who make the event what it is each year. Huge thanks to everyone involved,” Pussila smiles.
Jussi Aarnivuo and Tuomas Pussila Photo Videcam
The Arctic Circular Economy Forum was held in Kemi for the fourth time. The event is planned to return next summer. It is organized by the Circular Economy Center, Kemin Digipolis Oy, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, and Lappia Vocational College. The forum is part of the Lapland Industrial Circular Economy Acceleration Track project, funded by the Regional Council of Lapland and the EU.
