A sintering success

• Tool-maker investigates ways to cut its material waste and boost efficiency
• A type of 3D-printing technique proves effective 

The German company Jomatik GmbH produces prototypes and production tools using laser sintering techniques. One of its customers uses a mechanical gripper for packing medicinal products.

Forging ahead

• German engineering firm explores new technologies to save resources
• 3D printing and laser melting techniques are employed to great effect

Rosswag GmbH is a German metal-working company forging and cutting various products especially for the aviation industry and energy mechanical engineering.

Finnish businesses have developed several digital and smart technology-based applications and solutions to reduce food waste in restaurants.

A better 'grada' of plywood for eco-design

• An ecological thermos-formable plywood material is made for ecological designs
• Benefits of the material include a faster manufacturing process and opportunities for new kinds of designs

UPM Plywood is the leading plywood supplier in Europe, with production facilities in Finland, Estonia and Russia. Their thermo-formable wood material, UPM Grada, is an example of an ideal material choice for a designer that seeks to follow the principles of eco-design.

As good as new... or better

• A Finnish engine manufacturer has maximised material efficiency by combining modular product design to remanufacturing
• Remanufactured engines can be better than the originals

AGCO Power makes diesel engines for many of the world’s leading manufacturers of tractors, other farm machinery and off-road machines, such as harvesters. At the company's factory in Nokia, Finland there is a long tradition of remanufacturing engines. Currently, some 1 000 engines are remanufactured per year.

Guaranteed gearbox returns...

Shared table... a shared cause 

Bread salvagers

• Bread surplus from a Finnish grocery trading cooperative is used to produce bioethanol and animal feed
• Leftovers are collected from over 50 stores and bakeries in and around Helsinki

The Helsinki Cooperative Society Elanto - or HOK-Elanto - is a grocery trading cooperative operating in the Helsinki region.

Closing loops

• Inedible food waste from Finnish grocery stores is collected and made into biogas
• Biogas is then used by the food manufacturer partners of the company

Kesko is the second-biggest operator in the Finnish grocery trade with a market share of approximately 37.2 %.

Right time for textile take-back