Category: News

Pirita Mikkanen and Markku Issakainen Appointed to the Board of Kemijarvi Biorefinery

Kemijarvi Biorefinery Ltd. has strengthened its Board of Directors with two new appointments. PhD Pirita Mikkanen and retail sector professional Markku Issakainen began their duties on 17 March 2026.

Strong Reinforcement for ESG, Good Governance and Industrial Sustainability

PhD Mikkanen will oversee ESG matters and good governance on the board. She brings more than 25 years of expertise in energy and climate policy, industrial sustainability, and bioenergy and cleantech solutions. She previously served as Vice President of Energy at Metsä Group until February 2026. Mikkanen has extensive board experience, including at Finnfund, and has participated in TESI’s advisory board.

Retail Insight to Strengthen Market and Customer Focus

Markku Issakainen has had a decades‑long career in the fast‑moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, particularly as a successful K‑retailer in central Helsinki. He brings deep knowledge of consumer behaviour, product demand, distribution chains, and the operating logic of retail.

His expertise is especially relevant as Kemijarvi Biorefinery’s customers manufacture products such as hygiene items, packaging and consumer goods, whose demand is directly influenced by retail markets.

 

“The appointments of Mikkanen and Issakainen strengthen our board’s capabilities in two critical areas: sustainable industrial operations and good governance, as well as market insight and customer understanding from the retail perspective. This combination supports the biorefinery project’s progress toward sustainable, competitive and customer‑oriented operations.”
– Harri Vatanen, Chair of the Board, Kemijarvi Biorefinery Ltd.

 

Board Composition

In addition to PhD Mikkanen, Issakainen and Vatanen, the board comprises:

Dr. Markku Hämäläinen, former CEO of Kotka Mills

Bertel Karlstedt, former head of Valmet’s energy and pulp business

Sampsa Lahtinen, former executive at Vaisala and Nokia

HKTDC chose Kemijarvi Biorefinery for showcase at Asian Financial Forum 2026

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has selected the Kemijarvi Biorefinery project as one of only four international investment cases to be showcased in the Environment, Energy and Clean Tech theme at the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) 2026. The selection highlights the project’s strategic relevance to global sustainability goals and its strong potential for international investment.

Harri Vatanen, CEO of Kemijarvi Biorefinery Ltd., will present the investment case on 27 January 2026 in Hall 5 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Asian Financial Forum (AFF) 2026

The Asian Financial Forum is one of the world’s leading platforms for global finance, investment, and policy dialogue. Co‑organized by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), AFF brings together senior government officials, institutional investors, financial leaders, and corporate executives from more than 60 countries and regions.

The 2026 edition marks the 19th AFF, held under the theme “Finance Empowering Business”, with a strong focus on sustainability, clean technologies, and the global energy transition. The forum features high‑level plenary sessions, policy discussions, and a curated investment showcase that connects capital with high‑impact, future‑oriented projects.

Among most promising international initiatives

Being selected for presentation at AFF is widely regarded as a mark of international credibility and investment readiness, particularly for projects aligned with global climate and circular-economy objectives.

“We are pleased to feature the Kemijarvi Biorefinery among this year’s selected investment cases. Its focus on renewable materials, clean technologies and ESG‑aligned industrial development reflects the priorities of AFF and the global investment community,” says Dr Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

“It is an honour to have the opportunity to present Kemijarvi Biorefinery at AFF 2026. There are many remarkable projects and being chosen among the top four is a milestone in itself. We have full two days and I look forward to meetings and discussions with investors, partners and other event participants”, Vatanen says.

 

Dr. Markku Hämäläinen to Board of Directors

Kemijärvi Biorefinery Oy is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Markku Hämäläinen as a new member of its Board of Directors, effective 1 January 2026. Dr. Hämäläinen brings decades of international leadership experience in the forest industry, paper and board manufacturing, and large‑scale industrial transformation.
Dr. Hämäläinen has served in several top executive roles, including CEO of Kotkamills Oy, where he led a full business turnaround and oversaw the successful launch of globally recognized plastic‑free board innovations. His career includes senior leadership positions in Finland, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, with a consistent track record of improving operational efficiency, driving strategic renewal, and delivering strong financial performance.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Hämäläinen to the Board,” says Harri Vatanen, Founder of Kemijarvi Biorefinery Ltd. “His deep expertise in industrial operations, sustainable packaging technologies, and complex investment projects will significantly strengthen our strategic capabilities as we advance the development of the Kemijärvi biorefinery.”
Dr. Hämäläinen holds a Doctor of Science in Paper Technology from Lappeenranta University of Technology and has contributed to several patented innovations in paper and board manufacturing. He has also mentored numerous university theses in the fields of process development, sustainability, and industrial operations.
“I am honored to join the Board of Kemijarvi Biorefinery Oy,” says Dr. Hämäläinen. “The company’s vision for sustainable biorefining aligns strongly with my professional background and values. I look forward to contributing to the development of a world‑class industrial project in Northern Finland.”
Kemijärvi Biorefinery Oy continues to progress its mission of establishing a next‑generation biorefinery that supports Finland’s green transition, regional vitality, and sustainable industrial growth.

Kemijärvi Biorefinery Ltd Appoints Sampsa Lahtinen to Its Board of Directors

Kemijärvi Biorefinery Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sampsa Lahtinen to its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026. Mr. Lahtinen brings more than three decades of international leadership experience in industrial technology, telecommunications, and sustainable business growth.

 

Mr. Lahtinen recently retired as Executive Vice President of Industrial Measurements at Vaisala Oyj, where he served from 2013 to 2024. Under his leadership, Vaisala’s industrial business achieved remarkable growth, expanding into new industries and developed trusted partnerships with multinational companies. Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Lahtinen has emphasized the importance of “dreams beyond the realities of today” in driving innovation and success.

 

Prior to Vaisala, Mr. Lahtinen held several international leadership roles at Nokia in Hong Kong, Latin America and Europe gaining extensive experience in global telecommunications markets. His roles included Head of Vodafone Group Business (2009–2012), Vice President for North West Europe (2006–2007), and Managing Director of Nokia México (2000–2004). In Mexico he also worked as Vice President for América Móvil Customer Business Team.

 

Born in 1963, Mr. Lahtinen holds a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He is a Finnish citizen and has been recognized for his visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and commitment to sustainable industrial development.

 

“We are honored to welcome Sampsa Lahtinen to our board,” says Harri Vatanen, founder of Kemijarvi Biorefinery Ltd. “His proven track record in scaling industrial operations and fostering innovation will be invaluable as we advance our mission to establish a world-class bioproduct factory. Americas is an important market for us and Sampsa´s extensive experience in the region is a great asset for us.”

 

“Transition to sustainable way of life can be attained only if consumers can afford to choose sustainable products of high quality. Kemijarvi Biorefinery is on the mission to contribute to this transition with advanced biobased products, produced ecologically and in an environmentally friendly manner. I am excited to join the board and work with the team to reach those objectives”, Mr.  Lahtinen says.

Production of SAF raw materials to start soon in the Kemijarvi Biopark

Vataset Teollisuus and Liquid Sun are partnering to enhance the environmental and climate-friendliness of the Kemijarvi Biopark. CO2 emissions from energy and fiber wood processing will be converted into natural raw materials for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.

The Finnish company Liquid Sun and Vataset have signed a cooperation agreement for the biopark in Patokangas, Kemijärvi. Since 2020, Vataset has been developing with partners a circular economy-based biopark specializing in the chemical processing of wood to bio-chemicals, biomethanol, e-fuels, fibers and energy. The partnership with Liquid Sun and Vataset aims to utilize the CO2 emissions from the biopark as a raw material for synthetic e-fuels. The construction of the SAF production plant will begin in early 2025 and is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

 

Once the fiber line is completed and in volume production, it will release up to 2 million tons of CO2 annually, which will be processed on-site. The need for a cost-effective, low-temperature solution led to a partnership with Liquid Sun to utilize their patented technology. This technology enables the use of biogenic CO2 at its source to produce raw material for SAF, creating a closed carbon cycle.

 

“We’ve been looking for a partner to enable the Kemijarvi Biopark to further contribute to the transition from fossil fuels to biofuels and to meet emission targets. Integrating Liquid Sun’s innovative technology creates a win-win situation: we provide biogenic CO2, and Liquid Sun’s technology produces sustainable feedstock for aviation fuels. This partnership also contributes to broader emission reduction goals, which is a shared mission for both parties,” summarizes Harri Vatanen, CEO of Vataset.

 

“Vataset Teollisuus aims to build the Kemijärvi Biopark based on strong environmental values as a carbon-free, bio-product-based eco-industrial hub, which not only brings wealth to the region but also promotes the sustainable use of renewable resources. The values and goals of both parties are well aligned, creating strong prospects for future cooperation,” says , Dr. Pasi Keinänen, CEO of Liquid Sun.

 

The ecosystem surrounding the bio-product factory supports various industrial activities. Production at low temperatures is crucial to minimize environmental impacts. The location along the Kemijoki River requires a low thermal load to avoid disturbing the aquatic ecosystem and its recreational and professional use.

 

“Kemijärvi has a strong industrial history with a long tradition in wood processing and sustainable forestry. We are pleased that Vataset is building the flagship of future bio-products manufacturing in the Kemijärvi Biopark. Innovative companies like Liquid Sun are urgently needed to ensure carbon neutrality and well-being go hand in hand. It is a pleasure and privilege to help build new success for the region and the industry,” says Marjo Säärelä, Mayor of Kemijärvi.

Bertel Karlstedt joins the board of directors of the Kemijarvi Biorefinery

The Kemijarvi Biorefinery is pleased to announce that Bertel Karlstedt, who led the Finnish Valmet’s energy and pulp businesses until 2022, was elected to the board of directors of the company. The Kemijarvi Biorefinery specializes in biomass processing and will build a production plant in Kemijarvi, Finland.

Karlstedt has 35 years of successful track record in industrial management positions. He led Valmet’s energy and pulp businesses with sales of over a billion euros from 2015 to 2022, and supported the generational change of Valmet’s management in 2023. Valmet is a pioneer in biomass processing production solutions and automation, and has been developing and delivering new generation production equipment in the Nordic countries.

Before Valmet, Karlstedt was CEO of Nordkalk for almost 10 years. Nordkalk is a Finnish mining company that operates in several European countries. Karlstedt has also served as CEO of Metso Paper and head of the global paper technology business of Valmet-Rauma and Metso-Paper.

“We are very pleased to welcome an experienced director of the bioproduct business like Bertel onto the board. Bertel leads in a customer centric manner, and that is essential also to the success of Kemijarvi Biorefinery. He led Valmet’s business units in the transformation of the industry towards more versatile and advanced biomass processing, for which Valmet offers its solutions and services. He is well experienced with large industrial investment projects and construction. Bertel also brings to the team his experiences in the management board of a publicly listed company. He has an extensive, international contact network, which will certainly be of tangible benefit when building partnerships of the Kemijarvi Biorefinery, recruiting key personnel and in investor relations,” says Harri Vatanen, board member and shareholder of the Kemijarvi Biorefinery.

“Biomass processing has taken on a whole new meaning as the economy shifts to the utilization of renewable natural resources. Large investments accelerate the development of new technologies. It is easy to share the environmental values of the Kemijarvi Biorefinery, as well the objective of creating high value add from biomass. I am excited to join the Kemijarvi Biorefinery board and with the opportunity to implement these plans,” says Karlstedt.

Kemijarvi Biorefinery and the Norwegian Circa to cooperate

The Norwegian Circa Group AS, Vataset Industries Ltd. and the Kemijarvi Biorefinery Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the Kemijarvi Biopark. The companies are investigating the feasibility of a renewable chemicals manufacturing facility. 

Since 2020, Vataset has developed a circular economy-based biopark in Kemijarvi, specializing in the chemical wood processing. The Kemijärvi Biorefinery specializes in processing biomass. The operations of CIRCA and the Kemijärvi Biorefinery have synergistic benefits. Sustainable utilization of renewable natural resources and high environmental values are in the core of the companies. 

“Kemijarvi has a long tradition in wood processing and is well positioned to host our production facility. We have developed our products and production in cooperation with the Finnish VTT and Valmet, and we value Finnish know-how in the field. We see a lot of opportunities in cooperation with Kemijarvi Biorefinery and Vataset,” says Tony Duncan, CEO of Circa. 

Circa’s flagship product is a bio-based solvent, Cyrene, which requires biomass levoglucosenone (LGO) to produce. Cyrene is suitable for e.g. for paints and coatings. “Industries moving away from fossil raw materials require alternatives that work in practise. Circa offers an innovative, more environmentally friendly alternative for the fossils based chemicals. We are happy to cooperate with Circa”, says Harri Vatanen from Kemijarvi Biorefinery. 

Bertel Karlstedt, who was responsible for Valmet’s pulp and energy businesses, will start as Circa’s new CEO from the beginning of 2024. “I’ve known the Kemijärvi biorefinery project for a long time, and I’m looking forward to our cooperation in the Kemijarvi Biopark”, says Karlstedt.

Supreme Administrative Court granted the environmental and water management permits to the Kemijarvi Biorefinery

The Supreme Administrative Court today (30 June 2022) published its decision on the environmental and water management permits of the Kemijarvi bioproduct factory. The Supreme Administrative Court rejected the appeals from the Vaasa Administrative Court’s decision of 31.12.2020 regarding all other aspects than the emissions of the biorefinery referred to in the permit application to the water body and their effects. The court requires a report on the possibilities of reducing sulfate and sodium emissions caused by the operation.

The report must also examine the effects of sulfate and sodium emissions in the water body together with emissions referred to in permit regulation 18 and thermal emissions. The report should include an examination of the balance of phosphorus, nitrogen, sulfate and sodium in the Kemijarvi lake in its current state and during the operation of the factory”. The report is to be submitted to the Center for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Lapland.

“This is a great day for Kemijarvi and the Kemijarvi Biorefinery! A big step forward. We are grateful to all that have contributed to the project and all that have supported us. We will now continue finalizing the financing arrangements. After this, we can make an investment decision,” says CEO Vatanen.

“Environmental values ​​​​are our core values. We are committed to building the most environmentally friendly biorefinery. One of the most essential aspects is the water quality of the Kemijarvi lake. The water purification solution that will be applied is very advanced. The report that the Court requires is fully in line with our aims and efforts to ensure that the Kemijarvi lake is not adversely affected by the biorefinery operations,” Vatanen continues.