An event hosted by the Helsinki-Uusimaa Circular Hub on the opening day of Slush brought together startups and large companies focused on the circular economy, along with an audience of around one hundred participants. The panel discussions centered on Nordic listed companies, AI-driven innovations in the textile and construction industries, and collaboration between ecosystems.
Listed Companies’ Circular Economy Strategies
The first panel delved into the circular economy strategies of listed companies, led by Cradlenet and Nordic Circular Hotspot CEO Michel Bajuk, Outokumpu’s Head of Sustainability Heidi Peltonen, and VTT’s Head of Sustainable Business Michael Hanf. The panelists highlighted profitability and EU regulations as drivers of circular economy development. However, the time required to develop innovations emerged as a significant challenge. The speakers emphasized that the faster companies act, the more competitive they will be in both the Nordic region and Europe.
Michael Hanf, Heidi Peltonen, Michel Bajuk, and moderator Venla Virkamäki
Scaling Innovations at the Heart of Circular Economy
Representatives from textile companies included Twice Commerce founder and CEO Tuomo Laine, Tree CEO Kasper Karimaa, Winterent founder and CEO Karri Lehtonen, and Reima’s Director of Digital Programs Mikko Linnaluoma. They predicted a major leap in the transition from product ownership to various usage and rental solutions, with a growing emphasis on durability and repair services. Scalability, whether in services or processes, was also a hot topic. For instance, the transportation of recyclable goods remains a challenge requiring new, global solutions.
AI Innovations in the Construction Sector
Construction industry startups Sensorita, represented by CEO Ulrikke Lien, Make a BIM founder Leo Salomaa, and architect and Studio MPRA founder Ron Aasholm, shared how AI-driven innovations can significantly enhance efficiency. Miro Ristimäki, Senior Specialist in Innovation and Environmental Responsibility at Skanska, highlighted the importance of understanding that circular economy is an entirely new way of working. Success in the sector, traditionally seen as slow-moving, requires a whole-company transformation, including partners.
Kasper Karimaa, Tuomo Laine, Karri Lehtonen, and Mikko Linnaluoma
Collaboration Demands Openness but Yields Results
The event concluded with a discussion on the importance of collaboration, featuring Inka Orko, Director of Business Development at VTT and Chair of the Circular Hub; Outi Suomi, Head of Business Finland’s Circular Transition to Zero Waste mission; and Cathrine Barth, CEO, partner, and founder of Nordic Circular Hotspot. They explored ways to expand ideas and operating models from individual industries to regional ecosystems. The panelists emphasized that new ways of working together demand a high level of openness to venture into the unknown. This is essential, as significant developments are underway across the EU, and international collaboration is crucial for establishing common rules.
Inka Orko, Outi Suomi, Cathrine Barth, and moderator Venla Virkamäki
