On December 20, 2023, it was reported that Mirka will build an innovative recycled abrasive factory in Jeppo, Finland, and then play a leading role in the market. The investment will reduce Mirka's CO2 emissions by around 5,000 tonnes and the first circular abrasive products will be launched in 2026.
Business Finland has awarded Mirka €58.9 million in RRF (Recovery and Resilience Facility) funding for the construction of a recirculating abrasives (CIGMA) plant. The CIGMA plant will process abrasive waste from industrial plants and used by end users to produce new circular ceramics and abrasive particles.
By introducing the first truly circular concept in the global abrasives industry, Mirka is taking a big step towards shaping the industry. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative, so Business Finland's support is crucial and we are very grateful for the financial support. The overall investment is estimated at around 25 million euros and the plant will be the first of its kind in the world. CEO Stefan Sj Berg said.
Business Finland is pleased to support Mirka in its leadership in the circular transformation of the abrasives industry. This investment is a testament to the strong growth of the Finnish manufacturing sector. Ulf-Erik Widd, Account & Ecosystem Manager at Business Finland, said.
From linear to cyclical concepts
The abrasive manufacturing industry typically follows a linear economic model, in which abrasives are seen as mass-produced products with a short lifespan and high difficulty. This is a common challenge for the entire abrasives industry, where abrasives account for the largest proportion of CO2 emissions from products.
The circular abrasive treatment process we developed in the CIGMA project has enabled us to solve this challenge by enabling us to switch from new abrasives to the use of used abrasives and products that are treated as landfill waste," says Mats Sundell, Director of R&D.
Mirka is committed to advancing circularity, with one of its sustainability goals being 70% circular in its product portfolio by 2035. The CIGMA investment is an important step towards achieving this goal.
This will not only accelerate our green transition, but also increase the circularity rate of the entire abrasives industry. With this project, Mirka will become the first company to offer fully recyclic abrasives, leading the abrasives industry. SJ Berg said.
Increase local employment
The 7,000-square-meter plant will be built at the Mirka production site in Yappo. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
We are making history because we are introducing a whole new industry to Finland. This is also good news for the region, as the investment will bring EU recovery funds to the region and create more than 50 new jobs. SJ Berg said.
Mill library translation.