circular economy and mining services, is expanding its operations by opening a laboratory dedicated to circular economy innovations in Oulu.
These new operations are part of the Eco Innovation Research Center (EIRC), which focuses on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing products made from industrial by-products. The EIRC concept includes a central laboratory and production facilities, along with production laboratories in Tornio and Terni, Italy, various pilot structures and tests at customer sites, and a production-scale research facility under construction in Keminmaa.
Millions Invested in Circular Economy
Tapojärvi annually invests 2-4 percent of its revenue in various circular economy projects that seek solutions for resource efficiency and minimizing the environmental impact of industrial sectors. Last year, 4.9 million euros were invested in research, development, and innovation activities (RDI).
The aim of research and development activities is to reduce the use of virgin materials by utilizing circular economy products from industrial by-products. “Our goal is to create new circular economy products for the market with a lower carbon footprint than currently available products. The benefits of the circular economy are directly reflected in companies’ environmental impacts, occupational well-being, safety, and the economy,” says Mari Pilventö, Acting CEO of Tapojärvi.
TapoEko Product Family Soon on the Market
The laboratory in Oulu is part of the development work for the TapoEko product family. TapoEko products are manufactured on an industrial scale and are based on industrial by-products. TapoEko products will be available on the market soon.
The first test asphalt made with Tapojärvi’s circular economy products was completed in Italy in December. Last spring, Tapojärvi produced low-carbon TapoEko cement products from the by-products of various UPM factories. “The industrial-scale production process was successful, and now a cement factory is being planned,” mentions Veli-Matti Marttala, Tapojärvi’s Business Director.
Last autumn, Hannukainen Mining and Tapojärvi built structures for the planned mining area in Kolari, belite cement as covering material for waste rock, utilizing among other soda sludge generated in the forest industry. Alternative materials aim to replace commonly used membrane structures in covering structures. “Each TapoEko product category includes several products and services that we offer to customers. Some products are already available and ready for delivery to customers, while others are under development. The TapoEko product family also includes circular economy services as well as research, development, and innovation services, such as the operations of the Oulu laboratory.”
FACT: Eco Innovation Research Center
Tapojärvi is a Finnish family-owned company that has been providing environmentally sustainable products and services for nearly 70 years. The company operates in four countries at 13 locations.
The core of the company’s operations includes mining and industrial services, as well as sustainability-based services and solutions that support the needs of customers and the sustainability of the environment and the economy. The company’s internationalization strategy focuses on expanding mining services and industrial circular economy business models in Europe.
