In the heart of Finland, where the forests and lakes outnumber the locals, unfolds a tale of unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Niimaar, a Finnish circular design company, has been charting its course since day one, emerging as a symbol of mindful management and social duty. Established and led by mothers and daughters, Niimaar has been on a mission from the get-go: reducing all forms of waste.

In this piece, from Ekohunters we’ll dive deep into the core of Niimaar, exploring its dedication to the circular economy, creating award-winning designs, and producing products that go beyond just looks, embracing sustainability as a way of life. Let’s delve into the Niimaar universe, uncovering its commitment to sustainable innovation and the positive impact it’s had in Finland and beyond.

Niimaar Circular Mission: Cutting Waste from the Start

At the heart of Niimaar lies a mission deeply ingrained from its inception: the reduction of all types of waste. Hailing from Finland, the company, led by Enni Karikoski, MSc in Finance and a postgraduate in Design, stands as a beacon of sustainability since 2016. Niimaar not only embraces the circular economy but propels it, challenging the culture of use and toss.

Since day one, Niimaar has implemented innovative strategies and designs to shrink the waste footprint. Their approach translates into the creation of designs and services for a circular economy: recycling stations designed by Finnish artists. These receptacles, besides being aesthetically pleasing, are made from local and sustainable materials, marking the beginning of a continuous commitment to waste reduction.

Purposeful Design: The Forever Collection and its Circular Principles

Niimaar distinguishes itself not only through its commitment to waste reduction but also through its distinctive focus on design. The Forever Collection, conceptualized by renowned designers Harri Koskinen and Andreu Carulla, embodies the essence of the company’s circular principles. These products go beyond mere looks, serving as a tangible testament to Niimaar’s philosophy.

The collection features the Ecomini Forever Bin, the Ecogrande Forever Bin (winner of the prestigious Public and Eco Design Awards at the 2021 German Design Awards), and the original Ecosmol, the first designer recycling station introduced in 2017. This innovative container not only fulfills its recycling function but also doubles as a side table or additional seat in the home. This duality underscores the versatility of Niimaar’s designs, where functionality and sustainability harmoniously converge.

Each piece is crafted with sustainable, recycled, and side stream materials, rigorously following the principles of circular design. Beyond being aesthetically pleasing, these designs are built to endure generations, challenging the trend of planned obsolescence and promoting a conscious lifestyle.

Social and Environmental Commitment: Beyond the Company

Niimaar transcends the realm of design and production, extending its commitment to concrete actions that benefit both the environment and society. The company doesn’t settle for just creating innovative recycling stations; it actively seeks to contribute to a positive impact on its community and beyond.

One notable manifestation of this commitment is the donation of 5% of its profits to the work of WWF in Finland. This alliance reflects Niimaar’s dedication to wildlife conservation and ecosystem preservation. Additionally, the company organizes regular “plogging” events, combining exercise with waste collection in coastal areas. Since its inception, Niimaar has collected over 8000 kg of trash and, through its products, has facilitated the recycling of approximately 800,000 kg.

Niimaar is more than a company; it is a catalyst for positive change. Its history, marked by the bold vision of Enni Karikoski and collaboration with renowned designers, demonstrates that sustainability is not just a slogan but a philosophy rooted in every aspect of its operation. When entering Niimaar’s store, one not only acquires products but embarks on a commitment to a future where design and environmental responsibility intertwine, paving the way towards a more sustainable and conscious world.