Solutions for the Green Transition Explored in Kouvola
The day featured inspiring presentations and hands-on demonstrations of practical solutions supporting the green transition. At the heart of the event were discussions on projects, challenges, and potential solutions in multidisciplinary groups – true to the Living Lab spirit.
Project Background and Objectives
GreenCCircle is an EU-funded project involving 13 partners from nine EU countries, developing tools and expertise to support the green transition in creative industries. The project also explores opportunities such as strategic and service design in making the green transition a reality.
Xamk, the Finnish partner, plays a key role in building and developing the GreenCCircle Academy – an online learning platform to be launched early next year. The platform will enable anyone to deepen their knowledge and skills related to the green transition, both in everyday creative work and as a strategic competence to facilitate the transition across any sector.
The project runs until the end of 2026, with similar Living Labs organized in each partner country. Next, the consortium will meet in Venice in December 2025.
Nature-Based Solutions for Erosion Control
Designer Eemil Lyytikkä and architect Jaakko Heikkilä presented an innovative solution using common reed for erosion control instead of plastic honeycomb structures. Common reed grows abundantly in the Baltic and Southern Europe, and its use reduces plastic waste and microplastics.
Their reed installation was showcased at the Venice Architecture Biennale in spring 2025 as part of the Biennale College Architettura program, earning praise for its honest, nature-oriented approach alongside technology-driven solutions.
Further development continues, with automation and pilot implementation requiring funding and teamwork.
The Future of Biochar in Design
Xamk experts Anu Vainio and Antti Hevosmaa highlighted the potential of biochar for sustainable development and design.
Biochar offers an eco-friendly alternative to fossil-based activated carbon and supports circular economy principles. Its applications range from soil improvement and air purification to acoustic solutions and fire retardants – and in the future, even electrically conductive nanotubes. Biochar permanently sequesters carbon and fosters life thanks to its porous structure.
Development work is carried out in the ARVOHIILI project, which builds biochar value chains and new business models in collaboration with companies and the European Cellulose Association.
To conclude the event, participants had the opportunity to experiment with various emerging eco-friendly materials and contribute to shaping the future of GreenCCircle through hands-on activities from a Finnish perspective.
GreenCCIrcle is an EU-funded project that will continue until the end of 2026 . GreenCCIrcle – Kaakkois-Suomen ammattikorkeakoulu Xamk
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
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