Oulu becomes our first low-emission service centre powered by local biogas
Our service centre in Oulu, Finland, has transitioned to locally produced biogas throughout its entire washing process. Together with previously implemented emission reduction measures, this change has reduced the service process’s emissions by up to 90 per cent compared to fossil fuels. As a result of these actions, the Oulu unit has become the first in the Lindström Group to achieve such significant emission reductions.
“It’s great that the Oulu unit is a frontrunner within the entire Lindström Group. A 90% reduction in emissions is truly significant and shows how seriously we take our environmental goals,” says Heli Tajakka, Director of Lindström’s Northern Finland business unit.
“As a circular economy company, sustainability is at the core of our strategy. We are pleased to offer our customers an even more environmentally friendly textile rental service,” Tajakka adds.
Impact on emissions up to 90%
Kiertokaari Oy produces the biogas at the Rusko waste treatment facility in Oulu. They use biowaste from nearby households and retailers, sewage sludge from wastewater treatment, and by-products from the food industry to create it. The use of biogas is not new to the facility – Oulu’s mat laundry has been using it since 2017. What is new is the expansion of its use across the entire washing process, including the energy-intensive drying phase. This was possible by the implementation of a new biogas purification system led by Pasi Ilomäki, Head of Maintenance.
“For the drying process, it’s crucial that the biogas is fully purified to ensure clean, fresh textiles for our customers,” Ilomäki explains. “We have been testing the system since November, and the biogas supplied by Kiertokaari is now ready for full-scale use.”
Together with the previously adopted zero-emission nuclear electricity, these low-emission energy sources now fully meet the laundry’s energy needs. The Finnish unit has also transitioned to low-emission renewable diesel and biogas-powered vehicles in its transportation. These measures contribute to 90% lower emissions compared to fossil fuels.
“Lindström has service centres across Finland, as being close to our customers has always been important to us. We use biogas for transport between our distribution hubs in Northern Finland and renewable HVO diesel for local deliveries. This way, we also minimise the environmental impact of our logistics,” says Service Manager Sari Oravainen.
Oulu at the forefront of groupwide climate efforts
The emission reduction measures are part of our broader sustainability strategy. We are committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2021 levels and to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This target applies to all 24 countries where we operate and covers the entire value chain.
Oulu now serves as an example for our other sites, aiming to achieve similar environmental goals.
“Thanks to these measures, we are the first service centre in the entire Lindström Group to achieve such significant emission reductions. These improvements ensure a considerably lower-emission textile rental service for customers in the region,” Tajakka concludes.
The Oulu unit processes approximately 5.7 million kilograms of textiles annually and employs 75 people. Its client companies are located throughout Finland’s northern region.
Related
In Finland and the Baltics, our teams are gradually transitioning to renewable diesel which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%.
Net-zero laundry program is one of our key initiatives to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from our operations.
