In carbon-neutral circular economy, natural resources are used sustainably by keeping products and materials in circulation as long as possible. The transition to a circular economy offers small and medium-sized enterprises a number of opportunities to develop new business models. However, this change cannot be achieved by an individual company; a large number of operators are needed.
The ARKI 135 circular economy hub for companies will be opened in Arabianranta in Helsinki in May. It will offer a venue for growing the community and gathering insights as well as sharing competence and resources. The hub serves as a meeting place for circular economy enterprises and venue for events and presenting circular economy solutions.
The hub was established by and its activities are developed by the Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki project(Link leads to external service) partly funded by the European Union. The Economic Development Division of the City of Helsinki, Business Helsinki, and innovation company Forum Virium Helsinki are in charge of the project.
“As a forerunner in innovation-based business, we recognise the business opportunities offered by circular economy. With the help of projects like ‘Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki’, we can support circular economy companies in growth and make Helsinki a pioneer in circular economy,” says City of Helsinki Director of Economic Development Marja-Leena Rinkineva.
Events and expert services for circular economy companies
Events are an integral part of the operation of the ARKI 135 circular hub. The programme will be started in May 2025, and it will include events, training sessions and networking opportunities for companies working in circular economy. The space in itself serves as a circular economy showroom, because it has been executed in accordance with circular economy objectives by reusing furniture already owned by the City and repaired by Pakila Work Centre.
The development of the hub’s operating model is accompanied by a programme for small and medium-sized enterprises in Uusimaa, in which the selected participants receive support from experts to conduct their circular economy business. The programme aims at achieving the targets set by Business Helsinki by offering companies the prerequisites for sustainable growth.
Circular economy hub in the block of creativity in the making
ARKI 135 is located in the former Arabia industrial block, which is currently known as a hub of creative makers and versatile services. The operating model is developed in close cooperation with the operators in the Arabia 135 block and Varma, which manages the block.
“The evolving Arabia 135 block has been developed based on conservative construction. The businesses, educational institutions and commercial services in the old industrial block create an interesting environment for creating something new. New companies and innovation in the field of circular economy are naturally suited to the creative block, where you can still sense the spirit of its manufacturing history. Cooperation with the City of Helsinki gives us an opportunity to bring more business to the block and create good cooperation opportunities between different operators,” says Varma’s Asset Manager Jenni Nivalainen.
As of 14 May, the ARKI 135 hub will start its operation at Hämeentie 135 A, 4th floor. The hub is open for business during events. The ‘Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki’ project is partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund.