The goal is to maximise the reuse of fractions
The circular economy is the most central and, at the same time, the most developing industry when considering ways to reduce overloading the environment and to create a sustainable future. The objective of the circular economy is not only to change our consumption habits, but also to offer new opportunities for better and more sustainable use of existing materials and to completely close the cycles of different materials. Syklo’s circular economy experts, including Director of Operations Jukka Rissanen, are constantly searching for ways to maximise the reuse of valuable fractions in waste.
The reuse of fractions like old construction materials begins at Syklo
The construction industry is one of the largest consumers of natural resources in the world. Each year, the industry uses 50% of the natural resources and generates 35% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Waste is generated as a result of new construction, as well as due to renovation and demolition of buildings.
The utilisation rate of waste materials has previously been relatively low in Finland’s history. However, during the last decade, both the EU and Finland have started to set stricter requirements and measures to promote the circular economy of waste materials. In the construction industry, this means, above all, the efficient recycling and reuse of waste materials and components.
Syklo expanded its waste reception services this spring and now, construction sites around Finland are transporting pre-separated materials such as plastic pipe loads, plasterboard, insulating wool and hard-to-dispose-of waste such as roofing felt to the Rusko waste sorting plant.
Director of Operations Jukka Rissanen is responsible for receiving these previously listed individual fractions and for identifying their potential for reuse. Most of the fractions then continue their journey to Syklo’s partners for further processing. For example, hard HDPE, PVC, and PP plastic pipes are made into new plastic pipes.
“Of the individual fractions arriving at Syklo, the aim is to get all the material into reuse. The purpose of the collaboration is to make as big a percentage of the fractions as possible into new products. The percentage of reuse is primarily affected by the purity of the recycled fractions and the degree of technological development,” Jukka explains.
The director of operations’ work enables new development
The versatile role of the director of operations at Syklo involves much more in addition to managing the incoming waste at the sorting plant. Jukka manages, among other things, the implementation of customer services, subcontracting, and logistics. This work requires close cooperation with his own team and customers. In addition, Jukka participates in various development projects, which gives him the opportunity to be involved in shaping the future of the industry.
During the spring and summer, Jukka has been responsible for the development of new digital services on a project basis. When completed, the project will improve both the rate of waste sorting and the logistical chains, while enabling better reuse of fractions. We will hear more about the new digital services this autumn.
How did Jukka come to promote the circular economy?
Before joining Syklo, Rissanen, who graduated as an industrial engineer, has worked in management and specialist positions in the industry sector during his career, among other things. Jukka also has experience in metering, logistics, and production management. Previous employers have been valued companies in their respective fields, such as Stora Enso Oyj and Outokumpu Stainless Oy. The list even includes the Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District.
Jukka Rissanen
Jukka’s interest in the circular economy grew gradually during his working career, and at the same time, the reuse of materials and the circular economy became increasingly meaningful in industrial production. Last autumn, Syklo started to grow and several interesting positions were opened. Syklo offered the opportunity to develop professional skills as well as to work in an industry whose future importance is undeniable.
For Jukka, the circular economy means more sustainable and innovative solutions, better quality of life, and better prospects for the continuity of the future. He views the circular economy as an opportunity to change the way our society consumes and utilises resources.