Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Valmet has successfully completed its largest research and development initiative, the Beyond Circularity program, after four years of impactful collaboration. As part of Business Finland’s Veturi initiative, this program engaged over 370 partners, advancing sustainability efforts and helping customer industries transition towards carbon neutrality.
The Beyond Circularity program, launched in 2022, has significantly contributed to Valmet’s long-term sustainability goals. It aimed to accelerate the green transition by developing innovative solutions across recycling, bio-refining, resource efficiency, automation, and disruptive business models. With seven strategic streams guiding its path, the program sought to address key industry challenges while advancing technologies to support a circular economy.
Olli Hänninen, Executive Vice President for Strategy and Transformation at Valmet, highlighted the program’s success, noting, “The results of Beyond Circularity strengthen Valmet’s position as a technology leader in the green transition.” He emphasised that Valmet is continuing its efforts to help customers achieve carbon neutrality, aligning with the company’s vision of transforming industries towards a regenerative tomorrow.
The Beyond Circularity program was a company-wide initiative involving over 400 Valmet employees. It embraced an ecosystem-driven approach, working collaboratively with external partners to develop solutions for sustainable growth. Viivi Villa-Nuottajärvi, Vice President of Strategic R&D at Valmet, expressed pride in the program’s success, stating, “More than 370 ecosystem partners have contributed to over 47 joint projects, making this one of Valmet’s largest collaborative efforts.”
The programme has not only strengthened Valmet’s internal collaboration but also forged lasting partnerships within its ecosystem. Virpi Puhakka, Director of Ecosystems at Valmet, explained, “Beyond Circularity has accelerated our own sustainability journey and created a foundation for long-term innovation and collaboration. The impact of the program will continue to be felt across the industry.”
Several ecosystems formed during the program are set to continue their work beyond its conclusion. These collaborations will remain integral to advancing circular economy practices and driving the green transition forward. The program’s lasting impact is evident in the creation of valuable new solutions, partnerships, and ongoing innovation.
Valmet’s Beyond Circularity program was designed to develop new process technologies, automation solutions, and services that utilise renewable and recycled materials, as well as industrial sidestream rejects and waste. Circularity was at the core of this initiative, and its objectives were closely aligned with Valmet’s Technology Vision 2035 and Climate Program—Forward to a Carbon Neutral Future.
The Beyond Circularity program was organised into seven key strategic streams: program management, recycling technologies, bio-refining and value-adding to waste, resource-efficient industries, automated and digitalised industry services, service life cycle concepts, and emerging new process concepts and disruptive business models. These streams helped steer the program’s efforts in transforming waste and emissions into valuable resources, contributing to sustainable growth across various industries.
A unique feature of the program was its focus on the formation of a new green transition ecosystem. The ecosystem’s triangular approach, combining Valmet’s expertise in technology, automation, and services with interdisciplinary contributions from partners, fostered collaboration and value creation. Over 310 partners joined the ecosystem, contributing to 42 joint ecosystem projects. Additionally, Valmet launched more than 90 R&D projects internally as part of the program.
Valmet’s commitment to the Beyond Circularity program is underscored by its significant investment of EUR 40 million between 2022 and 2025. Partially funded by Business Finland, the program is a part of the “Veturi” initiative, which encourages international companies to address pressing global challenges through research and innovation. This investment is a clear indication of Valmet’s dedication to advancing sustainable technologies and accelerating the green transition.
Janne Pynnönen, Valmet’s Senior Vice President of Operational Development, commented, “We are excited about the new opportunities the Beyond Circularity program brings. Not only will it create value for Valmet, but also for our ecosystem partners, customers, and the world at large in making the green transition a reality.”
Valmet has established itself as a global leader in process technologies and services. The company’s operations span across various industries, providing mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. With a strong presence in over 40 countries, Valmet is uniquely positioned to help industries transition towards a more sustainable and regenerative future.
In 2024, Valmet reported net sales of approximately EUR 5.4 billion. The company continues to innovate in technologies that support sustainability and is committed to ensuring that its customers achieve carbon neutrality.
Valmet’s successful completion of the Beyond Circularity program marks a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability journey. The program’s outcomes will continue to shape the green transition, fostering new opportunities for innovation and collaboration across the industry.
Looking forward, Valmet plans to continue supporting the green transition through the ongoing development of new solutions, partnerships, and ecosystems. The company’s commitment to sustainability remains at the heart of its strategy, ensuring that it continues to lead the way in transforming industries towards a regenerative tomorrow.
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Tags: circular economy, green transition, renewable materials, sustainability, Valmet, woodworking and processing, woodworking industry, woodworking UK
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