Thanks a lot Marcus Grunewald for your great article introducing great family businesses and impact entrepreneurs of Finland!!
As the Corona crisis demonstrated, international supply chains are fragile. Therefore, it makes sense to nourish the local businesses and the people behind them - even though this might mean paying a higher price for the products and services compared to imports from the Far East. Because in the long run sustainability also means that your neighbour has a place to work.
In this article I want to make you familiar with some Finnish producers of a wide variety of goods. I have used their products myself and I’m convinced of their quality and durability - otherwise I would not be recommending them.
Roselli
Sounds Italian? Not quite. In fact, it is a Finnish producer of carefully crafted knives and axes. I received one of their knives as a gift and it adds a certain charm to grilling ’makkara’ by the campfire. The sustainable aspect of their products is that they are durable - so hopefully it will be the last knife or axe you buy.
Off to the woods? First, stop by here:
Site & Insta
Vihe Vaellus
While you’re outdoors enjoying Finnish nature, you might need some shelter over your head. The Vihe Vaellus products will keep you dry reliably and they are easy to repair if ever needed. They are made in Lempäälä, right next to Tampere.
Off to the woods? Also stop by here:
Site & Insta
Sukkamestarit
If you have ever driven from Tampere towards Ylöjärvi by bus or car, you might have noticed the production facilities of Tampere’s only sock producer (apart from all the grannies knitting woolly socks). By buying their long-lasting socks, you support the work of their employees. Lately, they even started producing socks with colourful patterns to fight the dull colours of Finnish winter.
Have a peak here:
Site &
Insta
Ruskovilla
Made of organic merino wool, silk and organic cotton these undergarments keep you warm during Finnish winter. During my training to become a Wilderness Guide I appreciated the warmth their long johns provided while camping outdoors at wintertime.
Get some top quality warmth here:
Site & Insta
Lapuan Kankurit
Their woven products will make your home more beautiful. Whether it is a simple hand towel, a bathrobe or a your bedsheets - their rustic looks are quite unique. Their factory is based in Lapua, just north of Seinäjoki.
Pentik (Partly made in Finland)
When you drive through the woods of Lapland, you might stumble upon the factory of Pentik. There they produce ceramic products and if you have a bit of time to spend, I would also recommend their Pentik-mäki Culture Centre - a place where arts, crafts and heritage meet. Please note, that not all of the Pentik products are made in Finland, but at least their ceramics are. So when buying some new plates and cups, consider their collection.
Fiskars (Partly made in Finland)
Fiskars is a huge corporation with many brands such as Iittala, Arabia and the Fiskars brand itself. I was sad to see the production of goods moving abroad, such as the Moomin tableware which is produced in Thailand nowadays. However, some of their products are still made in Finland - let’s hope it will stay that way. You might find joy in the design of their ’Norden’ products:
Behind each product, there are the people who produce them. Behind these products, it is the people living in Finland - maybe even your neighbours.
Check also Sustainable Fashion Finnish Brands and Sustainable Fashion Shops.
