Woamy nominated for the 2026 Metsä360 Award

Woamy is among the three finalists for the 2026 Metsä360 Award, which this year highlights bio-based innovations that replace fossil-based materials while creating new value from Finnish forests.

Woamy’s cellulose-based biofoam is designed as a high-performing, circular alternative to plastic foams used in packaging. Recyclable with cardboard and biodegradable, the material highly protective while fitting into existing recycling streams. Built on a decade of scientific research at Aalto University, Woamy’s technology mimics the directional strength of wood and can utilize wood-based fibers, from kraft pulp to recycled fibers.

“Our technology is inspired by Finnish forests and the remarkable structures found in nature, which makes this recognition especially meaningful to us. We believe nature can be a source of breakthrough innovations, and that Nordic innovations have strong potential to create global impact for a circular future,” says Susanna Partanen, CEO and Co-founder of Woamy.

The full announcement from the Metsä360 Award organizers is shared below.

Lappeenranta, 17 June 2026

This year, the Metsä360 Recognition Award shines a spotlight on bio-based innovations that replace fossil-based materials and increase the value created from Finnish forests. Presented jointly by the Marjatta and Eino Kolli Foundation and LUT University, the award is being granted for the seventh time and has already helped bring numerous Finnish bioeconomy innovations to wider attention. The winner will be announced at Metsä360 Day in November.

Innomost, Sulapac and Woamy shortlisted for the Metsä360 Award

Innomost develops birch bark-derived raw materials for industrial applications including coatings, cosmetics, adhesives and packaging materials. Sulapac manufactures biocomposite materials that replace conventional plastics in applications such as packaging and single-use products. Woamy has developed a bio-based, recyclable alternative to the plastic foams commonly used in packaging. The finalists were selected by an expert panel comprising representatives from LUT University and the Marjatta and Eino Kolli Foundation.

“The Metsä360 finalists demonstrate how Finnish forest expertise can be transformed into solutions for global challenges. These innovations are not only creating new products, but also new opportunities for wellbeing, export growth and sustainable economic development. Finland may be a small country, but we have an exceptional ability to combine research, natural resources and entrepreneurship into innovations that can compete internationally. This year’s finalists are outstanding examples of that,” says Esko Kolli, representative of the Kolli Foundation and holder of the honorary Finnish title Talousneuvos.

Previous finalists have demonstrated the growing international interest in Finnish forest-based innovations. Arbonaut, the winner of the 2023 competition, has become a globally recognised developer of forest resource data and geospatial solutions. The 2024 winner, Uute Scientific, uses forest microbiota in wellbeing products.

Recognition Award and youth competition prizes to be presented at Metsä360 Day

The winner of the Recognition Award will be selected by a jury comprising Johanna Buchert, Director General of the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Matti Karjula, Chair of the Board of PrimeR Oy, and Ville Valve, Chair of the Board of VVR Wood Oy.

“Metsä360 Day brings together people from across the sector and creates opportunities for discussion about the future use of forests. At the same time, we highlight companies whose innovations are helping build a fossil-free future,” says Taija Hämäläinen, Director of Research at LUT University.

At the same time, the Metsä360 video competition for lower secondary school students is underway. The competition encourages young people to explore how fossil-based materials can be replaced by bio-based alternatives. The winning entry will receive €3,000, second place €2,000 and third place €1,000.

The Recognition Award and the youth competition prizes will be presented at Metsä360 Day, which will take place in Lahti on 23 November 2026.

The Marjatta and Eino Kolli Foundation and LUT University presented the Metsä360 Award for the first time in 2020. The award honours the legacy and life's work of the visionary industrial counsellor Eino Kolli (1925–2016) and his contribution to Finland's forest sector. The Recognition Award forms part of the broader collaboration between LUT University and the Kolli Foundation, which aims to increase the value created from Finnish forests and support the growth of a responsible bioeconomy.