The city of Äänekoski aims to strengthen the city's economic structure by creating conditions for new business opportunities and new jobs by establishing a circular economy park in Koukkuniemi on the area reserved for the circular economy park. The project's goal is to create an operating model for the circular economy park and define its first phase operators, products, and services, as well as map the raw materials and materials that can be utilized and recycled to start the park's operations. The project strengthens Äänekoski's bio- and circular economy industries and clarifies the profile of circular economy business, forming a clearer sector in the city. Thanks to the project, new business, products, services, and innovations will emerge in the field, expanding the city's economic structure. Additionally, the project improves the city's energy and resource efficiency, as demolition waste, soil materials, and surpluses generated nearby can be utilized economically sustainably in our area. Äänekoski is a traditional industrial city with strong traditions. In addition to major players like Metsä Group, the area also hosts companies such as Valtra, representing high-quality, innovative industry. Äänekoski's industrial profile combines traditional strengths and new innovations, and the area actively develops solutions where industrial side streams, recycled materials, and renewable raw materials can be utilized more efficiently. The developing circular economy park brings together actors from different fields and enables the growth of resource-wise, low-emission, and sustainable circular economy business. Climate change, dwindling natural resources, and digitalization pose challenges but also create opportunities for traditional industry. The planned circular economy park offers an operating model that supports diversifying the economic structure, reducing emissions, and improving energy and cost efficiency. The goal of the circular economy park planned for the city of Äänekoski is to create a strong foundation for new circular economy innovations and support the growth of both existing and new companies. The new park provides a platform where companies can utilize the area's excellent logistical location along highway 4, raw material flows, and collaboration opportunities. The goal is to attract new actors who complement the area's expanding industrial structure and bring expertise, investments, and new business models. In the new park, new types of business are developed by utilizing waste, recycled materials, and bio-based raw materials. The goal is to create a network of circular economy actors that promotes efficient use of materials, offers new business opportunities for the sector, and produces climate and environmental benefits. The city's own resources, such as demolition waste, surplus soil materials, and other recyclable waste streams, also play a key role in the development of the circular economy park. Recycling and reusing these materials as part of the park's operations support the city's circular economy goals, reduce the need for virgin raw materials, and improve regional resource efficiency. The project's implementation progresses in phases. Initially, existing circular economy actors, recycled materials, and raw materials are mapped, as well as digital technologies and services supporting the circular economy park's operations, and economic and operational conditions are assessed. At the same time, a business model is built, and key operators who will manage the area's collaboration and circular economy as a whole are defined. During the planning phase, a layout plan for the area's operations, an essential assessment of responsibility, a mass exchange for managing material flows, and a Hackathon innovation competition to find new actors and fractions are also prepared.
