Danish chess trainer Peter Heine Nielsen to meet the Nordic Business Community

Finnish Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with other Nordic Chambers invited Danish chess trainer Peter Heine Nielsen to meet the Nordic Business Community in Vilnius during the first launch of the Nordic Talks series targeted for the Nordic business community and organized by the Nordic Chambers. The event will take place on March 21, 17:00 o’clock at Radisson Collection hotel.

The first Finnish solarpowered refrigerated trailer hits the road

Juva, 21st June 2023 – TIP Group has received the first solar-powered refrigerated trailer from the Finnish company Valoe.

TIP has received the first refrigerated trailer pilot, equipped with Valoe’s solar system. The trailer will be operated by Frigoscandia, serving transport in unbroken cold chains utilising solar power. TIP and Valoe signed a contract in January 2023 for equipping hundreds of trailers by the end of 2025. The value of the three-year-agreement is approx. 20M€, which is subject to achieving the mutually accepted KPIs. Now, the first solar-powered refrigerated trailer is about to enter the roads.

The first solar-powered refrigerated trailer equipped with Valoe’s solar system is now fully operating. Valoe handed the first pilot trailer over to TIP on 20 June 2023 in Juva, Finland. The trailer will drive along the Scandinavian roads thanks to the transportation company Frigoscandia. Three more trailers with this specific technology will join TIP’s fleet in the coming months.

During this trial, the trailers will collect crucial and valuable information on the solar system, allowing Valoe to optimize its system further.

The pilot trailer has vehicle-integrated solar panels which produce enough electricity required for the cooling system without polluting. The solar panels are based on a conductive backsheet and meet EU lead-free criteria under the RoHS Directive. The durable and lightweight modules are mounted on an aluminium fastening and cooling element making the modules easy to install and replace.

SHARED GOAL FOR CLEANER ROAD FREIGHT 

The three companies, Valoe, TIP, Frigoscandia, and their customers, share a common goal of promoting environmentally friendly road freight. In January 2023, Valoe and TIP initiated a collaboration aimed at achieving cleaner road freight. As a key player in the transport industry, TIP is committed to reducing the impact on the climate and has set ambitious goals for reducing the CO2 emissions and diesel consumption of its refrigeration units. The introduction of solar-powered reefers in TIP’s fleet will not only benefit the company but also its customers by enabling them to reach their ambitious net-zero goals.

“The cleaner world is an important goal for us, and we are now striving for it together with Valoe,” says Rogier Laan, VP Sales and Marketing at TIP. “TIP has more than 16,000 reefers globally. We play an important role in the industry and strive to reduce the impact on the climate. We aim to significantly reduce the CO2 emissions and diesel consumption of refrigeration units in our current fleet, e.g., by integrating solar power systems onto the trailers. In new refrigerated trailers, we can refrain from using diesel altogether and be at the cutting edge in implementing more environmentally friendly technology in the transport sector.”

The emissions of greenhouse gases caused by road freight can be reduced by utilising solar energy. Reefers’ refrigeration engines are normally diesel-powered producing huge amounts of emissions. By replacing diesel in trailers with electricity, a significant proportion of which is generated by trailer-integrated solar panels, emissions and other negative impacts are minimised. Valoe’s photovoltaic system includes an automatic optimisation system which uses the electricity in the battery first and automatically starts the diesel engine when the electricity runs out. Temperature-controlled trailers are perceived as being very diesel-intensive, but with such innovation, we can drive the change toward more sustainable logistics!

“Every part in reduced climate impact contributes to our goal of a fossil-free operation and we welcome new technology to test and evaluate the best practice for sustainable food logistics”,says Peter Haveneth, CEO Frigoscandia

Iikka Savisalo, CEO at Valoe: “Valoe has worked hard focusing on the development and introduction of solar systems for mobility applications. One of the first moving segments is cold chain transport due to big useable surface areas where solar technology can well be implemented. We are proud to partner with such respected companies as TIP Group and Frigoscandia. Together we are looking forward to making zero-emission transport a reality”.

Read more: HERE

FLCC welcomes NEW MEMBER – FISKARS GROUP!

Fiskars group is the global home of design-driven brands for indoor and outdoor living. Since 1649, they have designed products of timeless, purposeful, and functional beauty, driving innovation and sustainable growth. Their brands are present in 100 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The diverse 7000-strong team is based in 29 countries, inspiring each other and learning, exploring, and creating together. They are making the everyday extraordinary. Fiskars long-term vision is to create a positive, lasting impact on the quality of life. As a team, they believe in creating change, celebrating the everyday, and growing with compassion.

New innovation from oats – Fazer builds 40-million-euro xylitol factory in Lahti

Fazer brings xylitol production back to Finland and builds a xylitol manufacturing facility in Lahti using hull as the raw material. Utilising the side stream of the oat milling process with state-of-the-art technology for xylitol production is a great example of a modern circular economy innovation. The xylitol market is expected to grow, and Fazer targets Northern Europe and beyond with this plant-based raw material of Finnish origin.

Fazer continues to develop its business and is investing 40 million euros in an oat hull based xylitol manufacturing facility in Finland to enter the xylitol market. The investment will strengthen Fazer’s position as a forerunner in value added grain-based products. In Fazer’s oat milling process, a substantial amount of oat hulls are derived as a side stream. Oat hulls contain xylose which can be used to produce xylitol.

“We have at hand an innovation where we combine patentable new technology, healthier options to consumers and an excellent example of an innovative circular economy solution. We believe that xylitol from a plant-based Nordic raw material with a Nordic origin will create interest also outside Finland and the Nordic countries, even globally. We plan to expand the xylitol production to our mill in Sweden, too. I’m proud of this example of the fearless creativity at Fazer, and we are excited about the new opportunities ahead of us,” says Christoph Vitzthum, President and CEO, Fazer Group.

Plant-based products and solutions are strategic growth areas for Fazer

Fazer is investing in the development of new production technologies and solutions. Producing xylitol from oat hulls is a true innovation with totally new technology. The production process is unique due to the raw material which, until now, has not been commercially utilised. Currently, oat hulls are used mainly for energy production.

The xylitol factory will be built next to Fazer’s oat mill on the Lahti site: The factory will be the first fully backward integrated xylitol manufacturing facility in the world capable of producing many forms of xylitol, supporting the market needs of the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

The xylitol market is growing

Modern consumers are seeking healthier options to replace refined white sugar. Xylitol offers excellent potential for future product development.

The xylitol market is growing and Fazer aims to be the only xylitol manufacturer producing xylitol from a plant-based raw material with Finnish origin. Furthermore, xylitol is an important ingredient for Fazer’s confectionery business – Fazer is the only company producing chewing gum in Finland.

Fazer published the first news about the Lahti investment in January. The major investment will take place in 2019-2020. It will create 30 new jobs at Fazer in Lahti and also indirectly employ people. Works at the Fazer site in Lahti started in February 2019.

Fazer targets further expansion in Northern Europe and beyond

Sustainability is a constantly growing trend and consumers are increasingly interested in plant-based solutions. Fazer is developing its business and product portfolio with special focus on growth and consumer trends. Fazer’s aim is to transform into a modern sustainable food company. In line with the company strategy, Fazer targets further expansion in Northern Europe and beyond. The investment in Lahti supports this direction. The oat hull xylitol factory will be a part of the Fazer Lifestyle Foods business area.

During the past three years, Fazer has invested approximately 195 million euros in total, of which 136 million euros have been invested in Finland.

A few facts about xylitol 

  • Industrial production of xylitol is a Finnish innovation.
  • In Finland industrial production started in 1975.
  • The most popular xylitol products are chewing gum and pastilles.
  • Xylitol is a sweetener produced from xylose, which is found in various trees and plants, e.g. birch, beech, corn and berries.
  • Xylitol is low in calories (60% of calories of sugar) but as sweet as sugar.
  • Xylitol has an approved EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) health claim.
  • The daily use of xylitol is globally recommended by many dental associations to reduce the risk of caries.
  • Fazer is the only domestic xylitol chewing gum manufacturer in Finland.

For interviews please contact:

Taina Lampela-Helin, Manager, Communications, Fazer Group, taina.lampela-helin@fazer.com, tel. +358 40 668 4600

Fazer’s media phone line is open Mon–Fri from 8:00 to 16:00, tel. +358 40 668 2998, media@fazer.com

New Member Arginta Engineering

Arginta Engineering design and production company of high value added products. The company provides machinery/equipment manufacturing services to brands that are well-known worldwide. The company’s priority is to produce products of the highest quality and to provide reliability to its customers. Arginta Engineering works with different sectors: energy, pulp and paper, oil and gas, lifting equipment, construction, packaging, wood processing, mining, noise minimization equipment, fluid handling, renewable energy, and more. The company can suggest these services: project management, design, supply chain management, production and assembly, quality inspection and testing, delivery and assembly. The added value to their customers:

  • Fully assembled machinery/equipment;
  • Ability to take on large-scale projects;
  • Ability to handle special project requirements (Off-shore (FROSIO), IWE, Heavy machining and lifting special materials and etc);
  • Engineering capability;
  • Diversified industry sectors portfolio – flexibility in production.

The work can start from mechanical drawings, and design optimization for cost-effective production, to production line concept design with electrical documentation and instructions. Arginta Engineering  takes care of sourcing standard or unique materials, and components, saving customers time and costs, and simplifying the supply chain management (SCM). Arginta Engineering’s strategy involves strict on-time process control and operations are carried out in our factories: in Lithuania and Finland.

OP Corporate Bank – best in Finland

The best corporate bank – as rated by major companies in Finland – is our OP Corporate Bank. The bank has maintained its position among the top two corporate banks in Finland for the sixth consecutive year and is the only one that has consistently held this high position in the Prospera survey for so many years.

In the annual Kantar SIFO Prospera survey, the bank secured the first place in categories such as personal contacts, understanding banking needs, service minded, senior management attention, and quick decisions. OP Corporate Bank also received praise for its proactive approach

“My warmest thanks to our corporate customers for their trust, and to our personnel for their excellent work. I’m especially delighted that our customers see OP Corporate Bank as a quick decision-maker. Amidst growing economic uncertainty, the importance of rapid decision-making and active contacts is increasingly emphasised,” says Katja Keitaanniemi, CEO of OP Corporate Bank.

“Congratulations to our colleagues in Finland on this excellent customer rating. It reflects the values and philosophy of our bank. We always strive to provide clients with the best experience, speed, and value for their business, regardless of the country they operate in,” says Leda Irzikeviciene, Country Manager of the OP Corporate Bank Lithuanian branch.

The survey results indicate that major companies expect banks to understand their needs, be flexible, and make quick decisions. The survey involved 55 major Finnish companies with finance executives, and net sales of these companies amount to at least EUR 500 million.

New member – Akmenė Free Economic Zone joined the Finnish Chamber!

Akmene Free Economic Zone (FEZ) is the youngest out of seven, but most rapidly growing free economic zone in Lithuania. It was officially launched in 2019. By the end of 2022, Akmene FEZ  accumulated more than 300 million euros of foreign direct investment (FDI) and remains an important catalyst for the region, leading the economy’s diversification into new, value-added sectors.

Akmene FEZ consists of 98,6 ha of land dedicated to manufacturing plants and service companies. The rapid growth and well-developed infrastructure of the FEZ is signaling investors’ confidence. Businesses choosing to locate at Akmene FEZ enjoy 0% corporate profit tax during their initial 10 years of operation and only 7.5% tax over the next 6 years. Also, no tax on dividends and real estate tax.

Contact details:
Director Lina Mockute
Phone: +370 626 24424
E-mail: Lina@akmenefez.lt
Website: www.akmenefez.lt

Half of the electricity consumed in Technopolis Lithuania buildings is generated by the Sun

Technopolis, which operates the largest office campus in Lithuania, substantially expanded the use of solar energy for its buildings – the solar power plants installed on its own roofs were supplemented by the energy supplied by a remote solar farm, which was assigned to the company in April. Built by the renewable energy company Green Genius in the Seduva district, the solar power plant will meet about 50% of the total annual electricity demand of Technopolis’ buildings in Lithuania.

“Office buildings are energy-intensive and contribute to huge carbon emissions worldwide, so carbon neutrality is one of our key objectives. Technopolis Ozas in Lithuania is the first campus of Technopolis, which operates in six countries, to get such a large share of the used energy from solar sources. This use of solar energy has a significant impact: it is estimated that it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Lithuania by 8,700 tonnes in 5 years, which equals 410.5 thousand trees,” says Linas Savickas, Business Unit Director of Technopolis Ozas in Vilnius.

“Customer surveys show that it is increasingly important for customer companies to see how their office operator helps them to act in a sustainable and responsible way. Solar energy is not new to us, and we have been installing solar power plants on the roofs of our buildings with our partners since we set up operations in Lithuania. However, suitable areas for solar power plants are limited and even with all the infrastructure we have, we cannot produce enough solar energy compared to what we need. We started investigating the possibility of utilizing a remote solar power plant about two years ago back when the energy price crisis was not even a possibility. We are very happy where we are now with the remote solar power plant,” says Savickas.

Karolis Proscevicius
, Head of Sales at Green Genius, says that renewable energy has become even more important in recent years. The popularity of green energy in Lithuania, which had already been increasing, has grown exponentially over the last year since Technopolis signed the contract. “It can be stated that Technopolis has jumped in this train at the right time,” he says.

“The statistics are impressive: the number of consumers that also generate renewable electricity has grown with an increase of 263 MW per year in 2022 alone, and that is almost 150% more compared to 2021. The number could probably be even higher, but regulatory changes have slowed down the process, so the winners are those who make decisions now. We currently have a queue of 1-1.5 years, which is the time it takes from signing a contract to installing and connecting a remote solar plant,” says Proscevičius.

“The scale of this project is huge as is its sustainability impact. We are so proud of our Ozas campus, it really is a forerunner on this topic,” Johanna Kivelä Technopolis Sustainability Manager says, and continues:

“The foundation for our sustainability is to enable our customers to be sustainable. When our customers choose Technopolis, they know they are making a sustainable choice.”

Technopolis is committed to using carbon-neutral energy in all of its buildings by 2030 – this includes electricity as well as energy used for heating and cooling. The electricity targets have already been met, with 100% CO2-neutral and certified electricity used in all Technopolis office campuses in six countries. Also, the overall target is well on its way, Technopolis scope 2 carbon footprint was only 7 kg CO2/gross m2 in 2022 group-wide, which is approximately 75% less than in 2019.

Leinonen Lithuania welcomes a new country manager

Povilas Sadaunykas. The former manager Milda Ugianskienė does not leave Leinonen but rather moves forward with the experience and knowledge she has collected over 15 years at Leinonen Lithuania and now will further develop a great employee experience strategy for the whole Leinonen Group.

„We have appointed a financial professional with more than 10 years of experience in international financial companies to lead the Leinonen Lithuania team. For the new manager, we aim to maintain Lithuania’s leadership in the group of companies, continue business development by providing high-quality services and share good experience with Leinonen’s representative offices in other countries,“ says Seppo Hämäläinen, CEO of the Leinonen Group.

„When deciding to join Leinonen, the group’s clearly defined and personally close strategy – an uncompromising focus on service quality and client experience – had the greatest influence,“ – comments Povilas. – I believe that stable and successful operation in the financial market is possible only by maintaining high customer trust. That is what we will be focusing on with the whole team.“

Read more on the major business portal Verslo žinios https://www.vz.lt/verslo-valdymas/is-tarnybos-i/2023/05/04/p-sadaunykas-tapo-leinonen-lietuva-direktoriumi

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FINNISH LITHUANIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Dear Members of the Finnish Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce,

The ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FINNISH LITHUANIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE  will take place on 20 April 2023 at 5:00 PM
at the Embassy of Finland
K. Kalinausko 24, Vilnius

Agenda of the meeting:  

16:40             Registration and welcome coffee
17:00             Annual General Meeting:

  1. Opening and welcome by the Chairman of FLCC
  2. Election of AGM Chairperson, secretary and other officers
  3. Approval of the AGM agenda
  4. Legal and Statute regulations concerning AGM and quorum
  5. Approval of annual financial statement 2022
  6. Approval of annual report 2022
  7.  Recall and election of the Controller of the Association
  8.  Recall and election of the members of the board of the association
  9. Other matters brought to AGM
  10. Closing of the AGM

17:30             Guest speaker Richard Hull, Regional Security Officer, Embassy of the United   States of America
18:10             Cocktails and snacks

Please register to the meeting by April 18, 2023 via e-mail rubina.haapamaki@flcc.lt

Welcome!

FLCC board!