Since 2020, LUT University and the Marjatta and Eino Kolli Foundation have annually given a 30,000-euro award in recognition of innovations, solutions, or actions that significantly increase the added value of forests.
The award can be given to an individual or organisation that has successfully increased the added value of forests. In addition to the traditional forest industry, also other forest-related added value may be a factor.
The 2024 Metsä360 Award finalists were Puuppolan Suksi, the Finnish Forest Museum Lusto, and Uute Scientific. The finalists were chosen by a panel of experts consisting of representatives of LUT University and the Marjatta and Eino Kolli Foundation.
The panel selected Uute Scientific as the winner for 2024.
Read more at lut.fi: Uute Scientific wins Metsä360 Award
Uute Scientific
Uute Scientific’s microbial extract Re-Connecting Nature® is based on a Finnish university invention. The extract is made from agriculture and forest industry side streams, and its consistency corresponds to the microbial diversity found in nature. The microbial extract exposes the human immune system to natural microbes through consumer products such as cosmetics.
Exposure to natural microbes is needed in order to stimulate the human immune system. Uute Scientific has created a new ecosystem at the interface of environmental ecology, the forest industry, and medicine.
Puuppolan Suksi
Puuppolan Suksi or PUSU manufactures modern, hand-crafted skis from wood or wood-based materials.
The classic design is combined with a modern structure, where each component is as ecological as possible. The skis have a 100% wooden core, and PUSU uses many natural materials for reinforcement, such as hemp or the Finnish SPINNOVA® fibre. The surface also features a wooden, lacquered veneer, which allows for easy maintenance and a longer lifespan for the skis.
As a small company, PUSU can easily innovate and create new, more environmentally responsible production models. PUSU has also received the ski industry’s highest recognition, the ISPO Award, in 2022.
Finnish Forest Museum Lusto
The Finnish Forest Museum Lusto is a national museum responsible for forest culture. It is located in Punkaharju, and one of its goals is to strengthen the role of forest culture in Finland and convey forest-related information.
Lusto offers insights into and perspectives on forests. Its exhibitions and events tell the story of forests and their importance to the Finnish way of life. Lusto attracts about 30,000 to 40,000 visitors a year.
The most extensive renovation in Lusto's history was finished in May 2024. The museum’s new exhibition, The Land of Forestfulness, sheds light on forests and forest culture from six perspectives: Forest nature, Lifeblood, Green gold, Valued forest, Forest folk, and Forest work.
2024 award panel
The winner of the Metsä360 Award was chosen by an external panel composed of
- Tua Huomo, executive vice president, sustainable products and materials, VTT
- Tuomo Kauranne, CEO, Arbonaut (2023 Metsä360 Award winner)
- Ville Kopra, CEO, Versowood
- Mikko Mönkkönen, dean, University of Jyväskylä
The award was presented in a gala in Lahti on 18 November 2024.
