The project funding we received not only enables more reliable production, but is a much broader issue. The Home Bags of the future are Finnish and have a more advanced design and material. The project enables the development and evaluation of a circular economy perspective related to the life cycle of the product and material. Our company will become part of the Finnish and European circular economy system.

Finland and the EU as a whole are leading a global development that will lead to a completely different use of material flows. Regulation and competition make it necessary for companies to use material flows more efficiently. The product we use, made from rPET recycled material, will result in a more sustainable product with a carbon footprint. The production will become more transparent and more easily acceptable to the consumer. One of the goals of the project is to develop a product based on other Finnish circular economy materials.

We also get many operational benefits from the new operating model. Product development is faster, the products are more unique and they can be made in desired batches more easily. All of the above are the basis for the growth we intend to seek with these products, especially abroad. In Finland, we now have the opportunity to serve our retailers even better. As part of the project, we will receive significant expert assistance, especially regarding growth goals and the circular economy.

The picture shows different models of Muovo Home Bags. Each product uses 17 half-liter plastic bottles.

The project is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is guided by the REACT-EU regulation. The broader goal of the development grant is to increase economic activity in order to recover from the corona pandemic. The regional priorities have been decided by the Government. The funding item from which we have received support is intended for development activities and its regional priorities in Southwest Finland include, among others, employment, circular economy, internationality and growth.

The announcement of the support and a summary of its content can be found on the Structural Funds page .

Project name: SACCULI , Latin for sack/bag

CIRCULAR SACK

We are starting to manufacture new circular economy products in Finland for the international market. The material needed for the products is manufactured through the development of a subcontractor's production line, by converting textile fiber into a nonwoven fabric suitable for the purpose. In product development, we are among the first companies to use innovative Finnish circular economy fibers and develop a production method for a nonwoven fabric suitable for the purpose.

The goal is to strengthen the Finnish textile circular economy ecosystem and, together with partner companies, increase awareness of how materials produced according to circular economy principles can be used in the product design and commercialization of consumer products. In the project, we are looking for the best way to manufacture, cut, sew, dye and print nonwoven fabric.

The project will create ready-made commercial circular economy products. Through the development work, Vilikkala will become part of the Finnish and European circular economy ecosystem. The project will have employment impacts in the future, enable extensive international business and provide information on the benefits of the circular economy as a company's business strategy.

Schedule:

1.8.2021- 31.8.2022

The picture shows different models of Ihanna Home Bags. The product volumes are Experience 23 liters, Black Dots 30 liters and Loops 45 liters.