Kuljetusrinki Oy: A Finnish family-owned company invests in an ultra-modern robot sorting line

Kuljetusrinki Oy, a family-owned business operating in Southern Finland, collects waste materials from its corporate customers, such as shopping centers and construction sites. The waste is sorted and recycled, and some can be delivered for reuse to industry.

The robot performs up to 6,900 picks per hour and is capable of moving objects weighing up to 30 kilograms, which contributes to efficiency and safety.

Sustainability has been at the core of Kuljetusrinki’s operations from the very beginning. Having investigated the possibilities of developing its processes, the company is now among the first in Finland to utilize a robot for sorting waste. For this investment, Kuljetusrinki Oy will receive EUR 1,420,900 of Recycling and reuse investment funding from Business Finland under the EU’s RRF funding program.

“We saw the potential of using the latest technology. We wanted to take this step and assume a forerunner role", says CEO Markus Närhi.

The robot sorting line utilizes artificial intelligence. It is trained to pick up specific waste materials from waste mass. The device performs up to 6,900 picks per hour and is capable of moving objects weighing up to 30 kilograms, which contributes to efficiency and safety. Thanks to its high-quality cameras, the device distinguishes between different types of plastic, for example, more accurately than the human eye.

Kuljetusrinki Oy's construction site in Tattarisuo, Helsinki, in April 2023.

Funding enabled the ambitious investment

The total cost estimate of the share supported by Business Finland is EUR 3,447,595. All in all, this is a major investment, as in addition to the robot, it includes a large industrial building.

The project is funded from the EU’s  Recovery and Resilience Facility, RRF, accordance with the Sustainable Growth Program for Finland. In order to obtain funding, it is essential to enable the reuse of waste or side streams by means of solutions that go beyond the current state of technological development or EU standards. In addition, the requirement for funding is that the investment is targeted at Finland and that the applicant has sufficient resources to implement it.

“Once all the minimum criteria have been met, business impacts in terms of turnover and jobs, as well as novelty value and innovation impacts and environmental and network impacts, are compared, and it is assessed whether the project contributes to promoting the circular economy locally, nationally or even internationally. The big picture determines which project will be granted funding”, says Miro Aaltonen, Senior Adviser at Business Finland.

With this funding, we were able to carry out a riskier investment. 

Kuljetusrinki Oy submitted its funding application in fall 2021. The funding decision entered into force in the summer of 2022, after the environmental permit set as a condition for the funding decision was granted. The construction work began in Tattarisuo, Helsinki, a few months later in October.

“Overall, the application process was consistent and the application criteria were clear. We are currently carrying out equipment and line installations, and will proceed to equipment tests in June. Robots must be trained in regulations, and we are expected to get up to speed with production in July. The snowy winter was not easy, but thanks to our amazing team, we have stayed on schedule”, says Närhi.

The robot line has been ordered from ZenRobotics, which is part of the TEREX Group. Kuljetusrinki’s new equipment serves as a reference project, and its location near the Helsinki metropolitan area and the airport allows visits on site. Business Finland’s funding encouraged the ambitious project.

With this funding, we were able to carry out a riskier investment. We would have performed development work in any case, though in a different way and not with the same high technology”, Närhi says.

Robot sorting line supports growth strategy

The new investment has been received enthusiastically by Kuljetusrinki’s team as well as its partners and customers. The company believes in the future with positive expectations.

“We are as excited as little children about commissioning the robot. We firmly believe that the positive buzz in the industry and the market will only continue. The investment has been well received by various stakeholders, and many are interested in getting to know our solution”, says Närhi.

This is a great example of how even a smaller operator with a family background can implement an innovative and large-scale project with an ambitious approach.

“The investment can significantly improve the recycling rate, reduce incineration waste and reduce CO2 emissions. This is a great example of how even a smaller operator with a family background can implement an innovative and large-scale project with an ambitious approach”, says Miro Aaltonen from Business Finland.

The theme of sustainable development will increasingly be on the agenda of various stakeholders in the future. Early response can give you a competitive advantage.

“R&D funding, for example, is constantly available. It is a particularly useful financial instrument for companies seeking to enter international markets, which can be used to renew and develop products, services, production methods or business models",  Aaltonen points out.

With stricter legislation, Kuljetusrinki’s mission is clear.

We help our customers and partners achieve their sustainability and recycling goals. At the same time, we accelerate the green transition and promote our growth strategy,",says Närhi.

Conceptual image of a robot sorting line. 

Get to know Sustainable Growth Program for Finland and its funding calls

Photos: Kuljetusrinki Oy

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