Jyväskylä-based WeeeFINer Oy offers a remarkable solution to a global problem – Unifund and Hanki Development as investors
“Circular economy as a global phenomenon is one of the strongest drivers for responsible business, and WeeeFINer’s breakthrough technology responds to the challenge for promoting sustainable use of natural resources,” says Henrik Kunttu, the vice rector responsible for research and innovations at the University of Jyväskylä.
WeeeFINer’s development path is an example of an innovation originating from the University’s strong basic research. Based on chemistry research, WeeeFINer offers solutions for water purification and recovery of critical raw materials. The company operates in the market of energy and water intensive industries.
“New technologies have an increased demand for raw materials categorised as critical ones,” says Director of Technology Elmeri Lahtinen from WeeeFINer. “In response, WeeeFINer has developed a technology for the recovery and recycling of raw materials and harmful substances. In this method, special filters recover precious metals such as gold or silver, rare earth metals such as neodymium, as well as harmful heavy metals like lead and mercury.”
The WeeeFINer technology combines the qualities of 3D printing and ion exchange. The result is an adaptable filter the chemistry of which can be altered to recover selected metals.
By this technology, even very low levels of raw materials can be recovered.
WeeeFINer Oy was recently chosen to the business hatchery of Jyväskylän Yritystehdas (Jyväskylä Business and Innovation Factory) among the most potential start-ups in Central Finland. The company seeks growth and a place in the international market by the training support of Yritystehdas.
Further information:
WeeeFINer Oy, Elmeri Lahtinen, +358 40 559 2666, elmeri.lahtinen@weeefiner.fi
Unifund Oy, Vesa Kupari, +358 400 616 940, vesa.kupari@jyu.fi
Hanki Development Oy, Roope Pietilä, +358 44 301 4177, roope.pietila@hankidevelopment.fi
