We encourage our experts to share their invaluable insights. In Top Engineer magazine, they delve into contemporary phenomena and pioneering innovations spanning various industries. Our purpose is to inspire you with novel solutions and ensure you stay up to date with the prospects of the green transition.
Top Engineer 2/2024
Steering towards a sustainable future
As a young marine scout, I learned a valuable lesson: the compass needle always points north, offering a clear sense of orientation no matter where you are. The needle doesn’t act on its own; it responds to magnetic forces in its environment, constantly adjusting to maintain accuracy.
Today’s industries are facing similar pressures, as environmental changes and shifting market forces reshape traditional value chains. New opportunities are emerging in areas once considered no-man’s-lands. For example, as highlighted in this issue of Top Engineer, modern biorefineries have evolved far beyond wood pulp production. They now focus on higher-value components, blurring the lines between traditional industry sectors while simultaneously improving resource efficiency.
Given this situation, spearhead competencies will be key to understanding the new dimensions of traditional industries, enhancing the utilization of renewable resources and reducing dependence on non-renewables. The pharmaceutical industry has long been a frontrunner in this area, and new renewable material applications in areas such as wound healing, medicine, and packaging are continually developing. In every industry, our common goal must be to enhance resource consciousness – conserving natural resources, optimizing their use, and prioritizing recycling whenever possible.
As we navigate these shifting landscapes, I find myself once again guided by a compass – this time, a symbolic one that informs our corporate strategy. To be well prepared, Elomatic has already established the new Industry business unit. In times of uncertainty, we want to ensure our full range of competencies are aligned with the demands of emerging markets and innovations on the horizon. Creativity, engineering excellence, and innovation will be essential as we face challenges where standard solutions no longer suffice. That is our compass north, and by carefully adhering to our strategy and purpose, we can manage any disturbances or external forces affecting our performance.
At the heart of Elomatic’s strategy is our commitment to our core values: we succeed together, we are trustworthy, and we have a passion to improve. These principles will guide us as we work towards a more sustainable future.
Tom Lind CEO tom.lind@elomatic.com
How to effectively finance your greenfield infrastructure project
Text: Robin Norrbäck, Timo Kurki
Reading time: 5 min
Lenders typically regard established technologies, like those utilized in wind farms, as more reliable compared to cutting-edge innovations in the circular economy. However, well-structured offtake agreements can mitigate the risks associated with these novel technologies. In all cases, a realistic bank model is essential for optimizing debt terms.
The global availability of medicines and vaccines has become a critical issue, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite ongoing efforts, significant barriers to equitable access remain, underscoring the urgent need for global cooperation. However, new EU-level policies and emerging technological innovations present promising pathways toward more sustainable solutions.
Juuso Konttinen, who joined Elomatic’s board just over 1.5 years ago, leads the biomaterials growth business unit at Stora Enso. His team is currently immersed in the exciting fields of sustainable battery materials, bio-based chemicals, and renewable fiber products.
Laying the foundation for a smart factory: A key step towards sustainable production
Text: Mika Kuhmonen, Lita Nordén
Reading time: 7 min
A smart factory is designed to be inherently productive and resource-efficient, playing a crucial role in the sustainable manufacturing of end products. The basis of intelligence is formed by all the equipment and technologies it contains, skilled users, and the digital solutions that connect the two.
Reducing MS Crown Seaways’ fuel consumption with Elogrid: an installation story
Text: Jari Yli-Tolppa
Reading time: 5 min
DFDS A/S installed Elogrid™ on the MS Crown Seaways to enhance the ship’s energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The installation was successfully completed during the vessel’s annual drydocking at the Fayard repair yard in January 2024.
Sustainability has become a frequent topic in corporate discussions. However, there are clearly different levels of sustainability, ranging from ‘weak’ to ‘strong’, based on the actions taken by organizations. But what actions and mindsets define these different levels? And most importantly, what must we do to reach the strongest level?
Insight: How do you think sustainability challenges will drive innovation in your field?
Reading time: 5 min
According to our experts, sustainability challenges are not just obstacles – they are catalysts for innovation across industries. Abhay Ranjan, CEO of Elomatic India, highlights that while sustainable practices face challenges, especially in developing economies, they also offer significant opportunities for long-term economic gains. Emilia Siltanen, Head of UX & Service Design, suggests leveraging by-products as a driver of new business growth. Senior Design Manager Ismo Hyvärinen delves into emerging technologies that advance sustainability in the marine industry.
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