Long-term circular economy development in Sea Lapland has been recognised with a top-level EU distinction. The Arctic Industrial Circular Economy Cluster, led by the Circular Economy Centre, has been awarded Europe’s highest standard for cluster management, the Gold Label certification. This is the first Gold Label ever granted in Finland to a cluster focused on the circular economy.
Senior Cluster Advisor Tor‑Arne Bellika, Senior Advisor Marit Thunberg Werner and Director of the Circular Economy Centre Tuomas Pussila marked the conclusion of a two‑day audit in Kemi with cake, coffee and flowers.
The Cluster Management Excellence Label GOLD – Proven for Cluster Excellence, awarded by the European Clusters Labelling Excellence Structure (EUCLES), demonstrates that the circular economy cluster developed in Sea Lapland meets the highest European standards in cluster management, quality of operations and impact.
The Gold Label is the result of long-term development work in the region. The circular economy cluster was awarded a Silver Label in 2017, and the recognition has now been elevated to the highest possible level.
“Of course, the Gold recognition feels great, but I would raise a glass at this point to all of us. The work has been done together with companies, research and educational institutions, and many, many partners. This recognition belongs broadly to the entire circular economy community in Sea Lapland. The Gold Label shows that we have built the cluster consistently and in the right direction,” says Tuomas Pussila, Director of the Circular Economy Centre.
According to the experts who carried out the audit, Senior Advisor Marit Thunberg Werner and Senior Cluster Advisor Tor‑Arne Bellika, achieving Gold Label status is based on a long-term and systematic development process.
“The Cluster Management Excellence Label GOLD – Proven for Cluster Excellence represents the culmination of over ten years of impactful development work within the Arctic Industrial Circular Economy Cluster. During this time, traditional industries in the region have been renewed together with emerging sectors into a well-functioning and cohesive cluster collaboration structure,” states Senior Advisor Marit Thunberg Werner.
According to the audit experts, the Gold Label strengthens the cluster’s visibility and supports the development of the circular economy both in Finland and internationally. This is the first Gold Label ever awarded to a circular economy cluster in Finland.
“Across all sectors, Finland currently has only one other Gold Label. In the Nordic countries, there are only a handful of Gold Label clusters. In Europe, Gold certifications are more common – which is actually a good thing, as the system is better known there. When we operate in Europe with a Gold Label certificate, doors open more easily, because our quality has already been independently verified,” Pussila says.
The City Manager of Kemi, Matti Ruotsalainen, emphasises the importance of the Gold Label recognition for the entire region. “The Gold Label shows that the circular economy work carried out in Sea Lapland has been recognised and acknowledged at the European level. This is not about a single project, but about systematic collaboration and expertise that strengthens the vitality of the entire region,” Ruotsalainen says.
According to him, the recognition supports Sea Lapland’s position as an attractive operating environment for industry and new investments. “The circular economy is one of the cornerstones of Sea Lapland’s future. The Gold Label strengthens our region’s credibility and attractiveness as a location for sustainable industrial development,” Ruotsalainen adds.
Gold Label status is also reflected in the concrete development activities of the Circular Economy Centre. The cluster is involved, among other initiatives, in the development of the Outokumpu mining ecosystem, the development of recycled nutrients based on Metsä Group’s process side streams in collaboration with companies, as well as the Arctic Circular Economy Forum (ACEF2026). The forum will also host the annual national Circular Economy Achievement of the Year award.
Kaarina Mäcklin, Development Manager at the Regional Council of Lapland, highlights the strategic importance of cluster activities in regional development.
“Business-driven collaboration structures, such as clusters, are a key way to strengthen regional competitiveness and renewal. The Gold Label recognition demonstrates that Sea Lapland has succeeded in building an internationally credible and functional collaboration model,” Mäcklin says.
Clusters also play a central role in the implementation of Lapland’s smart specialisation strategy.
“The Gold Label achieved by the Circular Economy Centre indicates that the operation is of a high standard and systematic. This particularly supports the innovation activities of micro and small and medium-sized enterprises and encourages new initiatives at the interfaces between different sectors,” Mäcklin adds.
The Gold Label certification is valid for two years, after which the quality of the cluster’s operations is reassessed. The certification is based on an extensive European quality framework and an independent audit process. The labels are awarded at three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.