Creating a circular economy
Plänet B is a community of global innovators and cutting-edge bioeconomy businesses in the Finnish heartland.
Äänekoski is already home to numerous globally-operating, industrial companies active in the field of the
forest-based bioeconomy
, and Plänet B’s goal is to continue to nurture this ecosystem.
Continue
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Creating a circular economy
Plänet B is a community of global innovators and cutting-edge bioeconomy businesses in the Finnish heartland.
Äänekoski is already home to numerous globally-operating, industrial companies active in the field of the
forest-based bioeconomy
, and Plänet B’s goal is to continue to nurture this ecosystem.
Continue
Powered by
AskKauko
Metsä Group
Metsä Group is a forerunner in sustainable bioeconomy utilizing renewable wood from sustainably managed northern forests. Metsä Group focuses on wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp, fresh fiber paperboards and tissue and greaseproof papers.
At the heart of Plänet B ecosystem is Metsä Group’s next-generation bioproduct mill, which produces softwood and hardwood pulp, bioenergy and a wide range of other bioproducts. The mill utilizes 100 percent of the wood raw material as well as production sidestreams efficiently. It uses no fossil fuels in its pulp production.
The business model of the bioproduct mill is based on an efficient partner network and the mill is connected to a range of other companies and the city of Äänekoski. Metsä Group’s wood supply operations and paperboard, birch veneer and textile fiber mills are located in the same mill area, in addition to other partner companies that utilize production sidestreams and pulp. This unique business ecosystem around the bioproduct mill is creating jobs and developing bioproducts that can be used to replace fossil fuels and materials.
The goal is that the ecosystem continues to expand, which offers significant opportunities for businesses of various sizes and in various stages of development to manufacture innovative, high added-value bioproducts.
The business model of the bioproduct mill is based on an efficient partner network and the mill is connected to a range of other companies and the city of Äänekoski. Metsä Group’s wood supply operations and paperboard, birch veneer and textile fiber mills are located in the same mill area, in addition to other partner companies that utilize production sidestreams and pulp. This unique business ecosystem around the bioproduct mill is creating jobs and developing bioproducts that can be used to replace fossil fuels and materials.
The goal is that the ecosystem continues to expand, which offers significant opportunities for businesses of various sizes and in various stages of development to manufacture innovative, high added-value bioproducts.
The goal is to utilize
The mill creates about
{{ akViewModel["824:15_0"].vmValue }}
of sidestreams by 2030
{{ akViewModel["824:22_0"].vmValue }}
jobs around Finland
Valio
One of Valio's seven cheese factories operates in Äänekoski. The factory uses 20 million liters of milk per year that comes from 90 dairy farms nearby. The main product is Valio Aura® blue cheese.
Valio produces cheese with the help of waste heat from Metsä Group's bioproduct mill. In 2019, 7,439 MWh of heat was needed in the cheese-making process, for washing, and for facility heating. The heat comes to the factory as hot water through a 3-kilometer-long transfer pipe.
Valio has an ambitious goal to cut milk's carbon footprint to zero by 2035. Increasing the share of renewable energy used at factories is part of reaching that goal. Valio stopped using heavy fuel oil in heat production at the Äänekoski factory in 2008.
Valio has an ambitious goal to cut milk's carbon footprint to zero by 2035. Increasing the share of renewable energy used at factories is part of reaching that goal. Valio stopped using heavy fuel oil in heat production at the Äänekoski factory in 2008.
The use of waste heat produced by Metsä Group
The numbers
has reduced the Äänekoski factory's CO₂ emissions in 2019 by a total of
That's equal to the annual heating carbon footprint of
{{ akViewModel["1199:11_0"].vmValue }}
compared to heavy fuel oil for heat production.
{{ akViewModel["1199:18_0"].vmValue }}
Valtra
Valtra is the leading tractor manufacturer and service provider in the Nordic countries and one of the most popular brands in Latin America. They manufacture tractors at their state-of-the-art plants in Finland and Brazil.
The Valtra factory in Finland is located in Suolahti. The factory complex includes assembly and transmission plants, an engineering center, the Valtra Unlimited Studio, a spare parts and servicing center and the Atrium customer service center. Valtra's administrative offices are also located at the Suolahti factory.
True to their Nordic roots, Valtra puts great emphasis on the protection of the environment and our natural habitats. From production facilities to the development of new product features, they proactively seek ways to increase their environmental friendliness.
VALTRA REMAN
Green heat energy produced from residual wood and an air cleaning unit burning solvent steam from the chassis painting unit are good examples of investments to improve Valtra’s eco-friendliness. The company continuously strives to find more efficient and economical ways of operating, like minimizing waste and increasing the recycling of material and components.
Learn more
NESTE MY RENEWABLE DIESEL
Valtra uses Neste MY Renewable Diesel for all new tractors and forklift trucks operating in the factory. Neste MY is produced from 100% renewable waste and residues, so it produces up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil diesel fuel.
Learn more
PRESICION AGRICULTURE
Valtra offers smart farming technologies such as Valtra Guide and Valtra Connect that enable precision farming. Precision farming gives the ability to monitor and reduce the environmental impact of farming by using satellite technology and enabling real-time management of resources.
Learn more
Sidestreams and products
Raw materials, process derivatives and products from our ecosystem include:
Birch, pine, and spruce wood
Process steam and district heat
Electricity
Air
Water
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide
Bark
Fillers and pigments
CMC
Biogas
Biopellets
Product gas
Birch and softwood pulps
Textile fiber
Sulfuric acid
Tall oil
Turpentine
Industrial sludges
Community waste sludges
Cartonboard such as folding boxboard
Lignin
Dregs and ashes
Birch and pine veneers
Door and window frames
Salad cheese and blue cheese
Agricultural machines such as tractors
Process steam and district heat
Electricity
Air
Water
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide
Bark
Fillers and pigments
CMC
Biogas
Biopellets
Product gas
Birch and softwood pulps
Textile fiber
Sulfuric acid
Tall oil
Turpentine
Industrial sludges
Community waste sludges
Cartonboard such as folding boxboard
Lignin
Dregs and ashes
Birch and pine veneers
Door and window frames
Salad cheese and blue cheese
Agricultural machines such as tractors
Kurikka Timber
Kurikka Timber is one of the biggest wood processors in Europe. They provide bioenergy (as a residue from their process) to the Äänekoski power plant, which uses it to produce energy.
Kurikka Timber processes 120,000 m3 pine sawn timber annually producing components for the carpentry industry. The made sideflow from the process is wood fiber (woodchips) which is enriched with knots. This side product is suitable as a raw material for many chemical products, and the annual volume is 28,000 tonnes. Today the usage is mainly for bioenergy, approximately 128 GWh.
Currently, around
That's equal to the annual electricity consumption of
{{ akViewModel["905:316_0"].vmValue }}
power is produced by energy wood
{{ akViewModel["905:323_0"].vmValue }}
Linde
Linde lives their mission of making our world more productive.
Through their high-quality solutions, technologies and services, they are making their customers more successful and helping to sustain and protect our planet. Linde helps customers worldwide improve their environmental performance and reduce their carbon footprint. At the same time, they are committed to minimizing their own environmental resource intensity, including for energy, water and waste.
In 2018 Linde enabled their customers to avoid 90 million tonnes of CO2e. They also work safely to continuously improve their own energy efficiency and avoided more than 5 million tonnes of CO2e from 2009-2018. Linde recently announced its climate targets, which include lowering GHG emissions intensity by 35% by 2028.
Linde is investing in the communities where they live and work. The company hires locally and sources most of its products and services in the countries in which they are used. In Äänekoski they produce oxygen and nitrogen locally on their own sites instead of delivering gases with tens of gas trucks every week. In their production, they use locally produced renewable electricity, steam and cooling water. They are also researching using the business’ waste heat for heating its partner’s production site.
Specialty Minerals Nordic
Specialty Minerals Nordic Oy Ab PCC plant produces Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) products for paper and board production. PCC is used for fillers and coating pigments to improve paper and board whiteness, gloss and thickness. The PCC plant uses waste CO₂ from Metsä Group’s bioproduct mill as a raw material.
Currently, around
{{ akViewModel["905:424_0"].vmValue }}
tonnes of CO₂ are used
Target usage is
{{ akViewModel["905:431_0"].vmValue }}
tonnes of CO₂
Äänekosken Energia
Äänekosken Energia – responsible energy
Äänekosken Energia is responsible for the energy supply of the Äänekoski region, providing electricity, water, and district heating. Äänekosken Energia is one of the leading environmentally friendly energy companies in Finland.
With decades of investment in green energy, Äänekosken Energia is committed to renewables for the long term. Currently, electricity supplied to them by associated companies is 100% renewable energy, with the share of hydropower around 85%. The electricity sold by the company is 100% emission-free.
The company works actively with local industry. As a result, district heating in Äänekoski is a green circular economy product – it is produced from industrial sidestreams with almost 100% wood-based fuels.
The security of supply provided by the company is excellent in all business areas, with minimal interruptions to energy supply.
The company works actively with local industry. As a result, district heating in Äänekoski is a green circular economy product – it is produced from industrial sidestreams with almost 100% wood-based fuels.
The security of supply provided by the company is excellent in all business areas, with minimal interruptions to energy supply.
In 2019
{{ akViewModel["1014:5_0"].vmValue }}
of district heating was wood based
In 2019
{{ akViewModel["1014:12_0"].vmValue }}
of electricity supplied by associated companies was renewable
Nouryon
Sustainability of the CMC Value Chain – from raw materials to applications
CMC is a water-soluble cellulose derivative. The product is based on renewable raw material and is both bio-based and biodegradable. CMC production started in the Nouryon’s Äänekoski plant in 1944 (the plant name back then was Wärtsilä-Selluloosa Oy) as replacement for potato in wall paper glues was needed. Although CMC is still used in this application, product functionality of CMC has been developed further to better match requirements of current and new applications.
Multifunctionality of CMC enables the use of this versatile product in hundreds of different applications. In addition to functionality improvements also production volume has increased due to higher demand and the Äänekoski CMC-plant is today the world largest in its class.
Sustainability is an integral part of the Nouryon’s CMC value chain. This starts with the use of certified raw materials, continuous improvement of the manufacturing process while minimizing environmental impact, having world class personnel and process safety performance, and finally being able to provide our customers with several solutions to reduce environmental impact of their processes. Already during the early stages of customer’s development work metrics such as bio-degradability and recyclability are used alongside technical performance as selection criteria for ingredients.
Replacement of oil-based ingredients in applications like paper coating is an excellent example how sustainability value chain works in every day life. The use of CMC in lithium-ion batteries shows that CMC, a product with long history, is equally functional in novel applications like electric vehicle batteries.
And sustainability goes beyond the environmental impact in applications like protein beverages, in which CMC ensures for example the product functionality of high protein drinks for senior citizens. The sustainably produced products and new innovations ensure that a bright future lays ahead for the CMC business in Äänekoski.
Sustainability is an integral part of the Nouryon’s CMC value chain. This starts with the use of certified raw materials, continuous improvement of the manufacturing process while minimizing environmental impact, having world class personnel and process safety performance, and finally being able to provide our customers with several solutions to reduce environmental impact of their processes. Already during the early stages of customer’s development work metrics such as bio-degradability and recyclability are used alongside technical performance as selection criteria for ingredients.
Replacement of oil-based ingredients in applications like paper coating is an excellent example how sustainability value chain works in every day life. The use of CMC in lithium-ion batteries shows that CMC, a product with long history, is equally functional in novel applications like electric vehicle batteries.
And sustainability goes beyond the environmental impact in applications like protein beverages, in which CMC ensures for example the product functionality of high protein drinks for senior citizens. The sustainably produced products and new innovations ensure that a bright future lays ahead for the CMC business in Äänekoski.
In 2020, Zero waste to landfill: Only
{{ akViewModel["1355:15_0"].vmValue }}
of waste per 1000kg of CMC produced
In 2020
{{ akViewModel["1355:22_0"].vmValue }}
share of renewable energy in total energy used
Äänehub
ÄäneHub co-workingspace offers inspiring working environment for entrepreneurs, freelancers, students and solo workers or small companies.
Find your own private desk in a shared office with locker included and start to work. Also you can find meeting rooms, own privat rooms and open cafe coworking-place to work. Here you will meet other ÄäneHub-community workers.
ÄäneHub co-working hub is actively organising both virtual and live events in various themes, which are live-streamed via Facebook.
The city of Äänekoski
The city of Äänekoski provides the industrial base for Plänet B to create a vibrant collaborative model where companies across different industries actively cooperate to create bioeconomy solutions. In turn, the city benefits from district heating, environmentally friendly industrial solutions and local employment.
Äänekoski is located in the heart of the Central Finland region and intersects the E75 highway as well as numerous waterways. Train and air connections offer a variety of possibilities to diverse businesses. The airport is a 20-minute drive from the center of Äänekoski.
Äänekoski is an integral part of the strong and functional Jyväskylä area and acts as a source of power for the growing region. It is easy to find a place to set up business in Äänekoski. There are a variety of possibilities near the E75 highway; the Hirvaskangas service center, at the E75 and 69 highways and the Kotakennäs area, near the city center.
There are over 1,000 companies operating and over 18,000 inhabitants living in Äänekoski. Äänekoski is strongly oriented towards export industries and is the home to many internationally known hi-tech products. Local companies are global leaders in the fields of forestry, bio and technology. Active entrepreneur networks offer supportive advice and first-hand experience in local business matters.
Industry in the region invests strongly in the future. Many manufacturers have research and development units in Äänekoski. Come and take a glimpse of the future of bio and circular economy. The future lives here.
Äänekoski is an integral part of the strong and functional Jyväskylä area and acts as a source of power for the growing region. It is easy to find a place to set up business in Äänekoski. There are a variety of possibilities near the E75 highway; the Hirvaskangas service center, at the E75 and 69 highways and the Kotakennäs area, near the city center.
There are over 1,000 companies operating and over 18,000 inhabitants living in Äänekoski. Äänekoski is strongly oriented towards export industries and is the home to many internationally known hi-tech products. Local companies are global leaders in the fields of forestry, bio and technology. Active entrepreneur networks offer supportive advice and first-hand experience in local business matters.
Industry in the region invests strongly in the future. Many manufacturers have research and development units in Äänekoski. Come and take a glimpse of the future of bio and circular economy. The future lives here.
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Currently, over
companies operate in Äänekoski
Partners and contractors
The Plänet B ecosystem also relies on support from our subcontracting network and strategic partners:
• Mantsinen
• VR Transport
• Logistics companies
• Equipment suppliers
• Maintenance service providers
• Leased employees services
• VR Transport
• Logistics companies
• Equipment suppliers
• Maintenance service providers
• Leased employees services
Our research and development network includes:
• VTT
• Luke
• JYU
• JAMK
• Poke
• Gradia
• Luke
• JYU
• JAMK
• Poke
• Gradia
Reducing emissions and waste
Using renewable resources like wood and its byproducts to produce energy lowers emissions because wood is a carbon-neutral material.
With a circular economy, we take sidestreams from one process and turn them into useful products or energy for another company in the ecosystem – reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.
See how the ecosystem works
{{ akViewModel["815:4393_0"].vmValue }}
Our green industrial city and companies use over
bioenergy
In Finland, the share of biomass in total energy consumption is the highest in industrialized countries, and the importance of wood is central.
{{ akViewModel["815:4380_0"].vmValue }}
of total energy consumption
{{ akViewModel["815:4399_0"].vmValue }}
with the share of wood energy
of the total consumption
Supporting local communities
The well-being of the city of Äänekoski is a key consideration behind the launch of Plänet B. We help by providing jobs and bringing new circular economy and bioeconomy initiatives to the area. Äänekoski is already home to numerous industrial companies that operate globally and are active in the forest-based bioeconomy, and we want to continue this trend.
By encouraging circular economy and bioeconomy solutions, the city benefits from increased employment and more environmentally friendly business solutions.
{{ akViewModel["815:4482_0"].vmValue }}
That’s equal to
euros per resident
Ratio of available work places to working age inhabitants in Äänekoski
{{ akViewModel["815:4510_0"].vmValue }}
R&D investment in Äänekoski
in 2018
in 2018
{{ akViewModel["815:4517_0"].vmValue }}
euros
Supporting businesses
Plänet B is actively focused on attracting and supporting a range of bioeconomy and circular economy startups, businesses, established industrial companies and service providers across a range of fields including production, logistics, maintenance, process programming, robotics, electrical and automation technology – as well as hotel, restaurant and travel services.
Plänet B already includes a number of leading Finnish companies in the Äänekoski region. The Plänet B ecosystem benefits from Äänekoski’s abundant raw materials, infrastructure, logistics, research and training, support businesses, educational institutions, and a skilled and motivated local workforce. We also offer expert guidance to help our potential partners find the best financial instruments and support applications for entrepreneurial funding.
See how the ecosystem works
Our plans for the future
Plänet B is continually developing and innovating to be even better and more effective. Here are some of the things we’re working on at the moment.
Building our network and demo factory
We’re working with bioeconomy and circular economy actors in the region and beyond. We’re also bringing in new players in manufacturing, health, logistics, travel, design, service and more.
The bio/circular economy showroom and the Future house
We’re creating a center to showcase what’s being done with bio/circular economy solutions. The showroom offers interactive and teaching areas for the public and training for experts.
Education
We’re promoting applied education and research for vocational and university-level students to promote circular economy solutions. Plans are also being made for an area that supports new pilot initiatives.
Outreach
We’re promoting Plänet B to create interest in the region. Our activities include ties to museums and educational outreach.
Are you part of the solution?
Plänet B is actively focused on attracting and supporting a range of bioeconomy and circular economy service providers across diverse fields. Contact us to discuss further:
Sari Åkerlund
Project Director, City of Äänekoski
CEO, Äänekosken Kehitys Oy
sari.akerlund@aanekoski.fi {{ akViewModel["905:206_2"].vmValue }}
Project Director, City of Äänekoski
CEO, Äänekosken Kehitys Oy
sari.akerlund@aanekoski.fi {{ akViewModel["905:206_2"].vmValue }}
Share this report
The problems
Climate change
Climate change impacts all of us – this means that finding ways to minimize emissions is key.
Climate change
Global primary
energy consumption
grew at a rate of 2.9% in 2018,
almost double
its 10-year average of 1.5% per year, and the fastest since 2010.
{{ akViewModel["1022:48_0"].vmValue }}
Carbon emissions grew by
– the fastest growth for seven years
{{ akViewModel["1022:56_0"].vmValue }}
million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂ eq.)
CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and peat use related to energy production and consumption were 41 million tonnes in 2018.
Go back
Greenhouse gas emissions increased in Finland, exceeding the emission allocation
Limited resources and industrial waste
Use of materials
globally is projected to more than
double
in the future. Move the slider to view the impacts:
{{ akViewModel["1022:105_0"].vmValue }}
year
Global primary
energy consumption
grew at a rate of 2.9% in 2018, almost double its 10-year average of 1.5% per year, and the fastest since 2010.
{{ akViewModel["1022:138_0"].vmValue }}
Oil consumption grew by an above-average 1.4 million barrels per day or
{{ akViewModel["1022:144_0"].vmValue }}
Natural gas consumption rose by
195 billion cubic metres or
195 billion cubic metres or
– one of the fastest rates of growth since 1984
{{ akViewModel["1022:150_0"].vmValue }}
Coal consumption grew by
– double its 10-year average growth
Materials use increase
{{ akViewModel["1022:116_0"].vmValue }}
gigatonnes
Fossil fuels use increase
{{ akViewModel["1022:131_0"].vmValue }}
gigatonnes
The problems
Climate change
Limited resources and industrial waste
As populations grow, finding ways to use resources efficiently while also reducing byproducts from industrial processes is important.
The problems
Climate change
Limited resources and industrial waste
Well-being of local business and communities
People need work and opportunities in the communities in which they live – and businesses need support to create circular economy and bioeconomy solutions.
Continue
Climate change
Limited resources and industrial waste
Well-being of local business and communities
The problems
We’re here to help
Plänet B is an ecosystem where established companies and ambitious start-ups meet.
Our goal is to bring together the most promising and innovative ideas from the world of bioeconomy and circular economy for the benefit of all.
Our goal is to bring together the most promising and innovative ideas from the world of bioeconomy and circular economy for the benefit of all.
Continue
We’re here to help
Plänet B is an ecosystem where established companies and ambitious start-ups meet.
Our goal is to bring together the most promising and innovative ideas from the world of bioeconomy and cleantech for the benefit of all.
Our goal is to bring together the most promising and innovative ideas from the world of bioeconomy and cleantech for the benefit of all.
Close
Explore source
{{ akViewModel["1199:28_0"].vmValue }}
Use of waste heat: 7,331 MWh
Use of light fuel oil: 120 MWh
Use of light fuel oil: 120 MWh
Values used in the calculation
CO₂ emissions from light fuel oil: 73.1 t
CO₂ emissions from heavy fuel oil: 79.2 t
CO₂ emissions from heavy fuel oil: 79.2 t
(It is assumed that the received waste heat has not caused CO₂ emissions.)
Close
The benefits of the Plänet B ecosystem
Reducing emissions and waste
Using renewable resources like wood and its byproducts for producing energy lowers emissions.
Read more
Supporting businesses
We help businesses create a circular economy where sidestreams from industrial processes are turned into useful products or energy.
Read more
Supporting local communities
We support the well-being of the city of Äänekoski by providing jobs and bringing new circular economy and bioeconomy initiatives to the area.
Read more
Our plans for the future
Valtra
Kurikka Timber
Valio
Metsä Spring
Specialty Minerals
Metsä Fibre
Linde
Metsä Board
Nouryon
Äänekosken Energia
Sidestreams and products
Metsä Wood
The city of Äänekoski
Metsä Forest
Partners and contractors
Äänehub
Back to main navigation
Climate change
The problems
Climate change impacts all of us – this means that finding ways to minimize emissions is key.
Climate change
Global primary
energy consumption
grew at a rate of 2.9% in 2018,
almost double
its 10-year average of 1.5% per year, and the fastest since 2010.
Carbon emissions grew by
{{ akViewModel["1078:6055_0"].vmValue }}
– the fastest growth for seven years
Greenhouse gas emissions increased in Finland, exceeding the emission allocation
{{ akViewModel["1078:6061_0"].vmValue }}
million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂ eq.)
CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and peat use related to energy production and consumption were 41 million tonnes in 2018.
Go back
Limited resources and industrial waste
Use of materials
globally is projected to more than
double
in the future. Move the slider to view the impacts:
{{ akViewModel["1078:6033_0"].vmValue }}
year
Materials use increase
{{ akViewModel["1078:6042_0"].vmValue }}
gigatonnes
Fossil fuels use increase
{{ akViewModel["1078:6048_0"].vmValue }}
gigatonnes
Global primary
energy consumption
grew at a rate of 2.9% in 2018, almost double its 10-year average of 1.5% per year, and the fastest since 2010.
Oil consumption grew by an above-average 1.4 million barrels per day or
{{ akViewModel["1078:6067_0"].vmValue }}
Natural gas consumption rose by
195 billion cubic metres or
195 billion cubic metres or
{{ akViewModel["1078:6073_0"].vmValue }}
– one of the fastest rates of growth since 1984
Coal consumption grew by
{{ akViewModel["1078:6079_0"].vmValue }}
– double its 10-year average growth
The problems
As populations grow, finding ways to use resources efficiently while also reducing byproducts from industrial processes is important.
Limited resources and industrial waste
The problems
People need work and opportunities in the communities in which they live – and businesses need support to create circular economy and bioeconomy solutions.
Well-being of local business and communities
Well-being of local business and communities
We’re here to help
Plänet B is an ecosystem where established companies and ambitious start-ups meet.
Our goal is to bring together the most promising and innovative ideas from the world of bioeconomy and circular economy for the benefit of all.
Our goal is to bring together the most promising and innovative ideas from the world of bioeconomy and circular economy for the benefit of all.
The benefits of the
Plänet B ecosystem
Plänet B ecosystem
Reducing emissions and waste
Using renewable resources like wood and its byproducts to produce energy lowers emissions because wood is a carbon-neutral material.
With a circular economy, we take sidestreams from one process and turn them into useful products or energy for another company in the ecosystem – reducing waste and minimizng environmental impact.
See how the ecosystem works
Our green industrial city and companies use over
{{ akViewModel["1078:6140_0"].vmValue }}
bioenergy
In Finland, the share of biomass in total energy consumption is the highest in industrialized countries, and the importance of wood is central.
{{ akViewModel["1078:6147_0"].vmValue }}
of total energy consumption
with the share of wood energy
{{ akViewModel["1078:6153_0"].vmValue }}
of the total consumption
Supporting businesses
Plänet B is actively focused on attracting and supporting a range of bioeconomy and circular economy startups, businesses, established industrial companies and service providers across a range of fields including production, logistics, maintenance, process programming, robotics, electrical and automation technology – as well as hotel, restaurant and travel services.
Plänet B already includes a number of leading Finnish companies in the Äänekoski region. The Plänet B ecosystem benefits from Äänekoski’s abundant raw materials, infrastructure, logistics, research and training, support businesses, educational institutions, and a skilled and motivated local workforce. We also offer expert guidance to help our potential partners find the best financial instruments and support applications for entrepreneurial funding.
See how the ecosystem works
Supporting local communities
The well-being of the city of Äänekoski is a key consideration behind the launch of Plänet B. We help by providing jobs and bringing new circular economy and bioeconomy initiatives to the area. Äänekoski is already home to numerous industrial companies that operate globally and are active in the forest-based bioeconomy, and we want to continue this trend.
By encouraging circular economy and bioeconomy solutions, the city benefits from increased employment and more environmentally friendly business solutions.
Ratio of available work places to working age inhabitants in Äänekoski
{{ akViewModel["1079:70_0"].vmValue }}
R&D investment in Äänekoski
in 2018
in 2018
{{ akViewModel["1079:76_0"].vmValue }}
euros
That’s equal to
{{ akViewModel["1079:100_0"].vmValue }}
euros per resident
Our plans for the future
Plänet B is continually developing and innovating to be even better and more effective. Here are some of the things we’re working on at the moment.
Building our network and demo factory
We’re working with bioeconomy and circular economy actors in the region and beyond. We’re also bringing in new players in manufacturing, health, logistics, travel, design, service and more.
The bio/circular economy showroom and the Future house
We’re creating a center to showcase what’s being done with bio/circular economy solutions. The showroom offers interactive and teaching areas for the public and training for experts.
Education
We’re promoting applied education and research for vocational and university-level students to promote circular economy solutions. Plans are also being made for an area that supports new pilot initiatives.
Outreach
We’re promoting Plänet B to create interest in the region. Our activities include ties to museums and educational outreach.
Are you part of the solution?
Plänet B is actively focused on attracting and supporting a range of bioeconomy and circular economy service providers across diverse fields. Contact us to discuss further:
Sari Åkerlund
Project Director, City of Äänekoski
CEO, Äänekosken Kehitys Oy
sari.akerlund@aanekoski.fi
+358 50 598 7447
Project Director, City of Äänekoski
CEO, Äänekosken Kehitys Oy
sari.akerlund@aanekoski.fi
+358 50 598 7447
Share this report
Metsä Group
Metsä Group is a forerunner in sustainable bioeconomy utilizing renewable wood from sustainably managed northern forests. Metsä Group focuses on wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp, fresh fiber paperboards and tissue and greaseproof papers.
At the heart of Plänet B ecosystem is Metsä Group’s next-generation bioproduct mill, which produces softwood and hardwood pulp, bioenergy and a wide range of other bioproducts. The mill utilizes 100 percent of the wood raw material as well as production sidestreams efficiently. It uses no fossil fuels in its pulp production.
The business model of the bioproduct mill is based on an efficient partner network and the mill is connected to a range of other companies and the city of Äänekoski. Metsä Group’s wood supply operations and paperboard, birch veneer and textile fiber mills are located in the same mill area, in addition to other partner companies that utilize production sidestreams and pulp. This unique business ecosystem around the bioproduct mill is creating jobs and developing bioproducts that can be used to replace fossil fuels and materials.
The goal is that the ecosystem continues to expand, which offers significant opportunities for businesses of various sizes and in various stages of development to manufacture innovative, high added-value bioproducts.
The goal is to utilize
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of sidestreams by 2030
The mill creates about
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jobs around Finland
Valio
One of Valio's seven cheese factories operates in Äänekoski. The factory uses yearly 20 million liters of milk that comes from 90 dairy farms nearby. The main product is blue cheese Valio Aura®.
Valio produces cheese with the help of waste heat from Metsä Group's bioproduct mill. In 2019, 7,439 MWh of heat was needed in the cheese-making process, for washing, and for facility heating. The heat comes to the factory as hot water through a 3-kilometer-long transfer pipe.
Valio has an ambitious goal to cut milk's carbon footprint to zero by 2035. Increasing the share of renewable energy used at factories is part of reaching that goal. Valio stopped using heavy fuel oil in heat production at the Äänekoski factory in 2008.
The use of waste heat produced by Metsä Group
has reduced the Äänekoski factory's CO₂ emissions in 2019 by a total of
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The numbers
That's equal to the annual electricity consumption of
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4-person Finnish households
Valtra
Valtra is the leading tractor manufacturer and service provider in the Nordic countries and one of the most popular brands in Latin America. They manufacture tractors at their state-of-the-art plants in Finland and Brazil.
The Valtra factory in Finland is located in Suolahti. The factory complex includes assembly and transmission plants, an engineering center, the Valtra Unlimited Studio, a spare parts and servicing center and the Atrium customer service center. Valtra's administrative offices are also located at the Suolahti factory.
True to their Nordic roots, Valtra puts great emphasis on the protection of the environment and our natural habitats. From production facilities to the development of new product features, they proactively seek ways to increase their environmental friendliness.
VALTRA REMAN
Green heat energy produced from residual wood and an air cleaning unit burning solvent steam from the chassis painting unit are good examples of investments to improve Valtra’s eco-friendliness. The company continuously strives to find more efficient and economical ways of operating, like minimizing waste and increasing the recycling of material and components.
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NESTE MY RENEWABLE DIESEL
Valtra uses Neste MY Renewable Diesel for all new tractors and forklift trucks operating in the factory. Neste MY is produced from 100% renewable waste and residues, so it produces up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil diesel fuel.
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PRESICION AGRICULTURE
Valtra offers smart farming technologies such as Valtra Guide and Valtra Connect that enable precision farming. Precision farming gives the ability to monitor and reduce the environmental impact of farming by using satellite technology and enabling real-time management of resources.
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Kurikka Timber
Kurikka Timber is one of the biggest wood processors in Europe. They provide bioenergy (as a residue from their process) to the Äänekoski power plant, which uses it to produce energy.
Kurikka Timber processes 120,000 m3 pine sawn timber annually producing components for the carpentry industry. The made sideflow from the process is wood fiber (woodchips) which is enriched with knots. This side product is suitable as a raw material for many chemical products, and the annual volume is 28,000 tonnes. Today the usage is mainly for bioenergy, approximately 128 GWh.
Currently, around
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power is produced by energy wood
That's equal to the annual electricity consumption of
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Linde
Linde lives their mission of making our world more productive.
Through their high-quality solutions, technologies and services, they are making their customers more successful and helping to sustain and protect our planet. Linde helps customers worldwide improve their environmental performance and reduce their carbon footprint. At the same time, they are committed to minimizing their own environmental resource intensity, including for energy, water and waste.
In 2018 Linde enabled their customers to avoid 90 million tonnes of CO2e. They also work safely to continuously improve their own energy efficiency and avoided more than 5 million tonnes of CO2e from 2009-2018. Linde recently announced its climate targets, which include lowering GHG emissions intensity by 35% by 2028.
Linde is investing in the communities where they live and work. The company hires locally and sources most of its products and services in the countries in which they are used. In Äänekoski they produce oxygen and nitrogen locally on their own sites instead of delivering gases with tens of gas trucks every week. In their production, they use locally produced renewable electricity, steam and cooling water. They are also researching using the business’ waste heat for heating its partner’s production site.
Specialty minerals Nordic
Specialty Minerals Nordic Oy Ab PCC plant produces Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) products for paper and board production. PCC is used for fillers and coating pigments to improve paper and board whiteness, gloss and thickness. The PCC plant uses waste CO₂ from Metsä Group’s bioproduct mill as a raw material.
Currently, around
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tonnes of CO₂ are used
Target usage is
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tonnes of CO₂
Äänekosken Energia
Äänekosken Energia – responsible energy
Äänekosken Energia is responsible for the energy supply of the Äänekoski region, providing electricity, water, and district heating. Äänekosken Energia is one of the leading environmentally friendly energy companies in Finland.
With decades of investment in green energy, Äänekosken Energia is committed to renewables for the long term. Currently, electricity supplied to them by associated companies is 100% renewable energy, with the share of hydropower around 85%. The electricity sold by the company is 100% emission-free.
The company works actively with local industry. As a result, district heating in Äänekoski is a green circular economy product – it is produced from industrial sidestreams with almost 100% wood-based fuels.
The security of supply provided by the company is excellent in all business areas, with minimal interruptions to energy supply.
In 2019
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of district heating was wood based
In 2019
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of electricity supplied by associated companies was renewable
Nouryon
Sustainability of the CMC Value Chain – from raw materials to applications
CMC is a water-soluble cellulose derivative. The product is based on renewable raw material and is both bio-based and biodegradable. CMC production started in the Nouryon’s Äänekoski plant in 1944 (the plant name back then was Wärtsilä-Selluloosa Oy) as replacement for potato in wall paper glues was needed. Although CMC is still used in this application, product functionality of CMC has been developed further to better match requirements of current and new applications.
Multifunctionality of CMC enables the use of this versatile product in hundreds of different applications. In addition to functionality improvements also production volume has increased due to higher demand and the Äänekoski CMC-plant is today the world largest in its class.
Sustainability is an integral part of the Nouryon’s CMC value chain. This starts with the use of certified raw materials, continuous improvement of the manufacturing process while minimizing environmental impact, having world class personnel and process safety performance, and finally being able to provide our customers with several solutions to reduce environmental impact of their processes. Already during the early stages of customer’s development work metrics such as bio-degradability and recyclability are used alongside technical performance as selection criteria for ingredients.
Replacement of oil-based ingredients in applications like paper coating is an excellent example how sustainability value chain works in every day life. The use of CMC in lithium-ion batteries shows that CMC, a product with long history, is equally functional in novel applications like electric vehicle batteries.
And sustainability goes beyond the environmental impact in applications like protein beverages, in which CMC ensures for example the product functionality of high protein drinks for senior citizens. The sustainably produced products and new innovations ensure that a bright future lays ahead for the CMC business in Äänekoski.
And sustainability goes beyond the environmental impact in applications like protein beverages, in which CMC ensures for example the product functionality of high protein drinks for senior citizens. The sustainably produced products and new innovations ensure that a bright future lays ahead for the CMC business in Äänekoski.
In 2020, Zero waste to landfill: Only
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of waste per 1000kg of CMC produced
In 2020
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share of renewable energy in total energy used
Äänehub
ÄäneHub co-workingspace offers inspiring working environment for entrepreneurs, freelancers, students and solo workers or small companies.
Find your own private desk in a shared office with locker included and start to work. Also you can find meeting rooms, own privat rooms and open cafe coworking-place to work. Here you will meet other ÄäneHub-community workers.
ÄäneHub co-working hub is actively organising both virtual and live events in various themes, which are live-streamed via Facebook.
The city of Äänekoski
The city of Äänekoski provides the industrial base for Plänet B to create a vibrant collaborative model where companies across different industries actively cooperate to create bioeconomy solutions. In turn, the city benefits from district heating, environmentally friendly industrial solutions and local employment.
Äänekoski is located in the heart of the Central Finland region and intersects the E75 highway as well as numerous waterways. Train and air connections offer a variety of possibilities to diverse businesses. The airport is a 20-minute drive from the center of Äänekoski.
Äänekoski is an integral part of the strong and functional Jyväskylä area and acts as a source of power for the growing region. It is easy to find a place to set up business in Äänekoski. There are a variety of possibilities near the E75 highway; the Hirvaskangas service center, at the E75 and 69 highways and the Kotakennäs area, near the city center.
There are over 1,000 companies operating and over 18,000 inhabitants living in Äänekoski. Äänekoski is strongly oriented towards export industries and is the home to many internationally known hi-tech products. Local companies are global leaders in the fields of forestry, bio and technology. Active entrepreneur networks offer supportive advice and first-hand experience in local business matters.
Industry in the region invests strongly in the future. Many manufacturers have research and development units in Äänekoski. Come and take a glimpse of the future of bio and circular economy. The future lives here.
Currently, over
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companies operate in Äänekoski
Partners and contractors
The Plänet B ecosystem also relies on support from our subcontracting network and strategic partners:
• Mantsinen
• VR Transport
• Logistics companies
• Equipment suppliers
• Maintenance service providers
• Leased employees services
• VR Transport
• Logistics companies
• Equipment suppliers
• Maintenance service providers
• Leased employees services
Our research and development network includes:
• VTT
• Luke
• JYU
• JAMK
• Poke
• Gradia
• Luke
• JYU
• JAMK
• Poke
• Gradia
Sidestreams and products
Raw materials, process derivatives and products from our ecosystem include:
Birch, pine, and spruce wood
Process steam and district heat
Electricity
Air
Water
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide
Bark
Fillers and pigments
CMC
Biogas
Biopellets
Product gas
Birch and softwood pulps
Textile fiber
Sulfuric acid
Tall oil
Turpentine
Industrial sludges
Community waste sludges
Cartonboard such as folding boxboard
Lignin
Dregs and ashes
Birch and pine veneers
Door and window frames
Salad cheese and blue cheese
Agricultural machines such as tractors
Process steam and district heat
Electricity
Air
Water
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide
Bark
Fillers and pigments
CMC
Biogas
Biopellets
Product gas
Birch and softwood pulps
Textile fiber
Sulfuric acid
Tall oil
Turpentine
Industrial sludges
Community waste sludges
Cartonboard such as folding boxboard
Lignin
Dregs and ashes
Birch and pine veneers
Door and window frames
Salad cheese and blue cheese
Agricultural machines such as tractors
Using renewable resources like wood and its byproducts for producing energy lowers emissions.
We support the well-being of the city of Äänekoski by providing jobs and bringing new circular economy and bioeconomy initiatives to the area.
We help businesses create a circular economy where sidestreams from industrial processes are turned into useful products or energy.
Plänet B is continuously developing and innovating to be even better and more effective.
Source title here
Plänet B is continuously developing and innovating to be even better and more effective.
The numbers 2019
Use of waste heat 7,331 MWh
Use of light fuel oil 120 MWh
Use of light fuel oil 120 MWh
Values used in the calculation
CO₂ emissions from light fuel oil 73.1 t
CO₂ emissions from heavy fuel oil 79.2 t
CO₂ emissions from heavy fuel oil 79.2 t
(It is assumed that the received waste heat has not caused CO₂ emissions.)
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