Eco networks

Kirkkokallio Eco-Innovation Park – a Circular Economy Pioneer

Kirkkokallio Eco-Innovation Park is a unique example of a business cluster based on a purely circular economy, where side streams are harnessed for re-use.

Located in Honkajoki, Kankaanpää, the eco-industrial park's circular economy concept is based on the circulation of waste heat, steam, water and energy between different companies. The process, which aims to maximise the use of waste heat from different sources, is based on the activities of Honkajoki Ltd, the market leader in animal by-products processing in the area. Surplus heat is also supplied in the form of district heating to the settlement of Honkajoki. Innovative solutions such as new biorefineries, biofuels or their raw materials and recycled food products have been developed among the companies in the area. By-products are well exploited for further use and back into the food chain.

The innovative, so-called “Kirkkokallio” way of thinking has long roots, and the area will continue to invest in ever better solutions. The green transition and advances in renewable energy are also shown in the wind and solar farms projects in nearby areas. Resource Wisdom research area is involved in the research and development of the Kirkkokallio through regional planning and process solutions.