Regional kick-off for SMEs in Finland

The CIRC-2-ZERO project kick-off event in Finland was organized for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Engineered Wood Products sector and other stakeholders interested in circular economy development. The event provided participants with insights into current industry challenges and opportunities, while introducing practical ways to improve competitiveness through circular economy solutions.

During the event, Janne Liias, CEO of the Finnish Woodworking Industries Association, presented an overview of the current state of the wood products industry and discussed how evolving market conditions, sustainability requirements, and regulatory changes are affecting SMEs in practice.

Participants were also introduced to the opportunities offered by the CIRC-2-ZERO project, including a low-threshold pilot programme that enables companies to explore and develop their operations in a risk-free environment. The pilot activities are supported by the project's Digital Twin Demo Platform, which allows companies to model their production processes, compare material and manufacturing alternatives, and assess the impacts of circular economy and resource-efficiency measures before making investment decisions.

The event provided an opportunity for companies to learn about upcoming pilot opportunities, exchange views with experts, and explore how digital tools can support more sustainable and data-driven decision-making. The pilot programme is particularly aimed at SMEs manufacturing engineered wood products and organizations interested in advancing circular economy practices within the sector.