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 200 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

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

Mervi Matilainen

Managing Director, PhD Chemistry (2005); MEng Environmental Technology (2017)

+358 45 111 3606

In addition to Mervi's CEO and development duties, her work includes giving expert speeches and statements. Her diverse experience helps in the design of customer-oriented and productive RDI solutions, achieving visible results in an agile manner. She has been involved in research and development in the field of chemistry since 1998, working with circular economy solutions since 2005. An innovative motivator and courageous visionary.

Pirjo Rinnepelto

Business Service Director, MSc Environmental Technology and Management (2010); BSc Environmental Health and Safety (2002)

+ 358 40 1494251

Pirjo's responsibilities include the productisation of material-wise circular economy solutions, compliance with regulations, corporate responsibility communications, service development and business planning with customers in Finland and internationally. She has been in the field since 2002. During her career, she has worked as a public authority as well as in expert and executive positions, both in companies and in the third sector. A determined planner who remains calm in all situations.

Kirsi Mononen

Director of Development, PhD Chemistry (2004)

+358 50 5140390

Kirsi is responsible for the sales of Apila Group's services. 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 the bio- and circular economy, including seven years of experience as a university teacher. Always cheerful and a solution-oriented team builder.

Olli Mulari

Technology Specialist, MSc Technology (2011)

Project management, production technologies and 3D design, material efficiency audits. As a project manager, Olli is responsible for scheduling material and product development projects, managing costs and achieving the customer's goals. Olli is familiar with industrial environments and production development. He has eight years of experience in various industry responsibilities. Part of the Apila Group team since 2018, he’s easy-going and multi-talented with a great sense of humour.

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

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.

Fatima Joki-Korpela

Materials Specialist, PhD Chemistry (2012)

Materials chemistry, development of bio-based products, polymer materials, microstructured and nanostructured coatings, composite resins and their manufacturing technologies, chemical legislation and safety. Fatima's work focuses on the development of composite materials, modified and synthesised polymers and their manufacturing methods. She is experienced in product implementation, with 15 years of experience in the field of materials chemistry. Warm-hearted and always encouraging others.

Erja Jaala

Laboratory Coordinator, Laboratory Technician (2017), Business College Graduate (Business and Administration, 2001)

Laboratory work and coordination of laboratory activities, development of research methods and products, and environmental analysis services. Previous experience in group management and back office functions. Erja performs the duties of procurement coordinator, chemicals manager and occupational health and safety representative. She's the heart of the lab, always staying on top of things.

Eetu Pietarinen

Laboratory Engineer, Laboratory Technician (2020), BSc Environmental Technology (2017)

Laboratory and environmental technology, research methods and product development, sustainable development. Eetu works with developing laboratory methods and products, testing samples, prototypes and minimum viable products, maintenance and improvement of laboratory operations, and other expert tasks. Eetu has worked at Apila Group since 2019. Hardworking implementer, effective problem solver, motivated by new things.

Markus Hakkarainen

Environmental Specialist, MSc Environmental Technology and Business (2019)

Environmental technology, business, the circular economy, corporate responsibility. Markus's core competencies are environmental business, sustainability systems, marketing and related coordination, and development tasks. Markus also has work experience from the forestry industry and of working closely with customers. A broad vision for tackling environmental issues. Insightful and a determined team player.

Maarit Leppänen

Bioeconomy Specialist, 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

Laboratory Service Expert, 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.