Central Finland has selected its circular economy champions for the year. The winners were announced at the Central Finland Circular Economy Fair in Jyväskylä's Aalto Hall.
Organizers sought clever, open-minded actions that promote circular economy practices. The competition looked for easily replicable solutions benefiting specific regions or industries.
Three winners emerged from the first-ever competition. JR-Tools Oy manufactures and maintains cutting tools. NextOil Oy refines recycled oils. Äänekoski Municipality demonstrated cost-effective construction collaboration.
JR-Tools operates on a lifecycle business model. The company manages tools from design through manufacturing and maintenance to steel recycling. NextOil promotes efficient oil recycling and further processing of recycled oils. Äänekoski showed how organizations can cooperate on circular construction projects.
JR-Tools CEO Pasi Rönn said companies gain competitive advantage by leading rather than following sustainability trends. He emphasized responsibility will grow more important in coming years.
Central Finland's competition highlights how one organization's waste can become another's valuable raw material. The region continues developing practical circular economy solutions that other areas might adopt.
These awards demonstrate Finland's continued leadership in circular economy innovation. The practical focus on replicable business models shows how environmental and economic benefits can align.