Researchers join forces with companies to develop low-carbon industrial production

The Green Factory (GREEF) project combines scientific and industrial research with the needs of businesses. The aim of the project is to develop manufacturing industry in a more environmentally friendly direction, through production control, remanufacture, and 3D printing, for example. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to find practices and models for calculating carbon footprints and for sustainable branding on the industrial market.

“New knowledge and skills make it possible to better identify the environmental impact of manufacturing industries, to bring significant changes to activities and products that improve sustainability and competitive advantage, and which boost the visibility and pioneering nature of Finnish businesses in the green transition”, says the project’s coordinator, Aalto Universityprofessor Esko Niemi.

The project covers several themes of green industry. While companies focus on themes that have the greatest significance for them, while reducing the environmental impact of their own activities and products, the GREEF research ecosystem brings more effectiveness to the entire industrial field.

“Environmentally friendly, low-carbon industrial production will be an increasingly significant competitive factor on the international market. To achieve this, the skills and knowledge of Finnish companies, universities, and research institutes are needed”, says Team Leader Pasi Puukko of VTT.

“More research is needed on how branding can be used in the business relationships of industry to support environmentally responsible investments aimed at reducing emissions, thereby boosting the export prospects of industry. The project genuinely connects the points of view of brand management, marketing, and the environmental impacts of production”, says Professor Saila Saraniemi of the University of Oulu.

Companies taking part in the project include SEW Industrial Gears Oy, AGCO Power Oy, Proventia Oy, Ojala Group, Delva Oy, EQ System Scandinavia Oy, and Componenta Group.

The Green Factory towards carbon neutral production – the GREEF project – is part of Business Finland's Sustainable Manufacturing Finland programme and its total financing is EUR 4,8 million, of which Business Finland's share is about one half. Results may be expected in August 2023.

Further information:

Aalto University
Professor Esko Niemi, esko.niemi@aalto.fi

University of Oulu
Professor Jari Larkiola, jari.larkiola@oulu.fi
Professor Saila Saraniemi, saila.saraniemi@oulu.fi

VTT
Team Leader Pasi Puukko, pasi.puukko@vtt.fi