From coal to storage wall panels, to screens made from oak veneer from boat production – Habitare presented circular economy innovations

(For customers.) What do luxury boats from Pietarsaari and interior design products from Halikoki have in common? The answer is oak veneer. This year's theme of the Habitare fair, surprising plot twists, was realized in the Choice area, which showcases responsible choices. Niimaar, a circular economy design company from the Salo region, presented a newly launched novelty at its stand. The Tyyne screen is the result of a business collaboration between the wood products circular economy innovation challenge and interior design firm Sistem Oy. The screen is handcrafted in Halikoki from fine oak veneer strips. The oak veneers were created at the Nautor Swan boatyard in Pietarsaari as a side stream of boat production. The screens also use Aisti Oy's acoustic board to bring silence and peace to the spaces. Aija Karikoski, the mother and partner of Niimaar's founder Enni Karikoski, spoke about the product at the stand. “The series is now being presented for the first time here at Habitare. The products have been enthusiastically received. The story and the circular economy are inspiring,” she says. Photo: Elina Saarinen. Niimaar sources the materials for the Tyyne screen from side streams of boat production. Oak veneer would be too valuable and beautiful a material to waste. Aija Karikoski emphasizes that cooperation with like-minded partners who value the circular economy has been rewarding. Interior tiles made from lignin from pulp mills and other biorefineries At Habitare’s Choise stand, Elementic, a materials technology company developing carbon-negative building innovations, will also be presenting their own interior-themed product launch...