Nikari: thinking green in the forests of Finland

To visit it now, Fiskars is something of a storybook village, with vast lakes, dense woodlands and a distinctive rural charm. Yet back in the 17th century, it began as Finland’s first industrial hub.

In 1649, a number of ironworks were founded in the area, drawn in by the large surrounding forests and unharnessed waterpower. From ironware and forged products, the corporation eventually progressed to creating consumer goods, including the iconic orange-handled scissors which can now be found in millions of homes across the world.

The Fiskars company grew and expanded, finally leaving its namesake behind. Before they left, they invited artists to take over their stock of buildings for free and transform them into their workshops, continuing the village’s industrial spirit with a new generation of craftsmen.

Nikari was one of Fiskars’ first post-industrial settlers, setting up house in 1993 when the then 26-year-old brand moved over from Ostrobothnia. Started by master carpenter Kari Virtanen, it was rooted in craft from the very beginning, its name a play on the Finnish word for cabinet maker. Centered around Finnish wood furniture traditions, Fiskars was an obvious choice - not least because of the neighbouring sawmill and the easy access to diverse forestland.

As well as its obvious aesthetic qualities, there is a sustainability inherent in wood. It is the original renewable material, and the only one that is used on a large scale by the furniture industry. But Nikari soon recognised that when it comes to responsible design, wood itself is not enough. As a result, they have gone to great lengths to ensure that every part of their manufacturing process has as little impact on the environment as possible.

This starts with the selection process, with timber coming mostly from Northern European forests and supplied by the sawmill in Fiskars. Only tree species that have been cultivated in accordance with the sustainable development policy are used, carefully chosen to provide the tactile quality that Nikari has become known for.

For surface treatments, chemicals are snubbed in favour of their natural counterparts, with oil, waxes and soaps the materials of choice. The construction of Nikari’s designs nod to their traditional beginnings, using joinery techniques are ones that have been used and perfected over centuries. A byproduct of this is that fewer parts need to be used.

For the rare departure from pure wood, upholstered products use recyclable textiles, attached by metal screws they can be easily removed. Where leather is used, it is naturally tanned, developing a unique patina over time.

Nikari’s dedication to sustainability doesn’t end once the furniture leaves the factory floor. Their packaging, if used at all, is all recyclable. Transport routes are carefully planned to reach as many customers in as few miles as possible. Cargo space that would be otherwise left empty is filled up by subcontractors on the way back to Fiskars.

Nikari seek to repurpose their own waste in any way they can. Their social media pages proudly show local shitake mushrooms grown using their wood chips and sawdust. Their head office, studio and workshop are powered solely by renewable energy from the hydropower plant located next to their building.

When Fiskars was opened up to the world, it was done so with a common goal - to build a community based on creativity; to focus on people rather than profit. For Nikari, it meant the time and space to consider every aspect of their manufacturing process and the wider effects of their products on the world.

At a time where that feels more important than ever, it’s a common goal that we should all be striving towards.

RSVP to our Private View of 'Waste Not Want Not', our LDF showcase featuring Nikari.