Cross-border collaboration: Case Oulu

The Oulu region in north Finland is internationally known as an ICT and technology development powerhouse. The region is also rapidly developing as a know-how centre of waste management, too, with companies and research institutes investing in waste management solutions. In March 2023, WANO organized a cross-border workshop between the waste management actors in north Norway and north Finland. The objective was to share experiences in waste management and to explore the possibilities to increase cross-border waste management cooperation, with focus on sorting of municipal waste, as well as data collection and data handling issues. The WANO workshop was attended by the WANO partners Remiks, HRS, and NORCE, and the Oulu-based waste management actors Hauru, Wastebook, Macon, and the PrintoCent cluster.

Haurun Jäteauto Oy is a private-owned waste management operator in Oulu. The company works actively with new technology and logistics solutions. ”55% of Oulu’s housing companies already use smart waste management. Thanks to data, we have optimized not just the routes but the number, type and size of waste bins. Now we make 20% less collections and can serve more clients with the same resources.” Mikko Hauru, CEO Haurun Jäteauto Oy. 

Wastebook Oy in Oulu provides smart waste management services and data. The services include fill level sensors, a collect-on-demand mobile app and cloud system which all enable waste management companies to streamline their services.

Macon Oy is an Oulu-based expert company focused on bio and circular economy. The Macon services include carbon footprint calculations, environmental permits, investor materials, business plans, environmental impact assessments, feasibility studies and raw material studies.

PrintoCent cluster in Oulu co-operates with international partners in materials, electronics, manufacturing and machinery testing. PrintoCent is led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The PrintoCent team includes experts from the Oulu University and the Oulu University of Applied Sciences

The WANO cross-border cooperation initiative with Oulu resulted in the participation of Remiks at the Innofest innovation and matchmaking event in Oulu in June 2023.  Innofest paved the way for a joint pilot case on advanced technological solutions related to optical sorting in waste management by Remiks and VTT. The cross-border pilot initiative by Remiks and VTT, was awarded a grant by the RFF Arktis programme in Norway in 2023, with an aim to develop specific optical technology for Arctic waste management.