Company

Company Info

Apila Group Ltd. was founded in 2006, aiming to create a new, innovative and successful business without making concessions at the expense of future generations. Over the years, we have grown and been able to do a lot of solution-oriented work to promote the circular economy in Finland and elsewhere in the world. Today, we offer concrete solutions and services to meet the challenges and needs of our customers. We will continue to promote the circular economy and material-wise product development. We want to be a strong influencer, and our goal is to be the most interesting RDI partner in the industry.

Versatile laboratory

Our head office is located in Lehmo, Kontiolahti, in North Karelia, near Joensuu. At Lehmo, we have a laboratory specialising in product and material development and quality management in the circular economy. In premises of 250 m², we perform a wide range of materials and product development, analysis and testing, prototyping, conformity assessment and quality assurance.

In Lappeenranta, our office is located in Skinnarila on the campus of LUT University and LAB University of Applied Sciences.

Reliable partner

During our operations, we have been involved in more than 250 cooperation projects and customer assignments. We have had more than a hundred customers internationally, ranging widely over various industrial and social fields. We are a strongly networked partner. Both large and small industries rely on our expertise.

Acknowledgments received

Kontiolahti municipality company of the year (2021)
Technology to Products Foundation award (2020)
Start Me Up business idea competition: Circular economy prize (2020)
Start Me Up business idea competition: Pilot project prize, From Waste to Profit software tool (2020)
Start Me Up business idea competition: first prize for a circular economy breakthrough product from waste (2017)

Our People

Kirsi Mononen

Managing Director, PhD Chemistry (2004)

+358 45 111 3606

In addition to Kirsi's CEO and development duties, her core expertise is in circular economy business models, quality processes, customer business operations development and cooperation in Finland and internationally. More than 20 years of experience in the field of bio- and circular economy, including seven years of experience as a university teacher. Always cheerful and a solution-oriented team builder.

Juha Timonen

Materials Specialist, PhD Chemistry (1999)

Materials chemistry, geopolymer chemistry, equipment analytics, quality management and risk analysis, industrial production planning. Juha has extensive industrial expertise from feasibility assessments to choosing suitable materials and equipment for industrial processes. Juha's approach is always thorough and he strives for resource efficiency. With twenty years of experience in the manufacturing industry, he is a fount of knowledge and Apila Group's MacGyver.

Tiina Rasilainen (on parental leave)

Chemistry Specialist, PhD Chemistry (2010), BSc Environmental Technology (2002)

Analytical chemistry, surface chemistry, radiation safety, environmental radioactivity, environmental and occupational safety, legislation. Tiina works as a project manager in projects related to environmental analytics, utilising recycled materials, recycling and compliance of materials. She is also closely involved in practical laboratory work. Tiina has ten years of experience in chemistry as a researcher, supervisor and public officer. Quick-witted and a diligent project completer.

Maarit Leppänen

Sales and Marketing Coordinator, MSc Forest Sciences and Business (2014)

Forest Ecology and Sustainable Forest Resource Management. Expert tasks in bioeconomy and forestry as well as communication tasks. Maarit has also worked in service design, service digitisation, productisation and marketing. Experience in various operating environments from state-run organisations to agile start-ups. Meticulous and uncompromising wordsmith

Ilpo Mustonen

Materials Specialist, LicSc Chemistry (2000)

Ilpo's area of responsibility includes the development of laboratory and measurement methods for the needs of our customers. Ilpo has almost 20 years of experience in project work, e.g., in materials chemistry, nano-optics and plastics technology projects. Research, development and innovation activities, as well as service design, are close to Ilpo's heart. Ilpo also has experience in teaching and coaching. A multi-talented public relations specialist, full of life wisdom and humour.