SUOMINEN INNOVATING IN SUSTAINABILITY SEMINAR

March 19–20, 2025

Arona, Italy

Suominen Innovating in Sustainability Seminar brings together professionals from across the nonwoven production value chain. Building on the excellent feedback from the two previous editions, we are now eager to host the seminar in Arona, Italy.

Speakers

Sebastian Funtan

Laboratory Manager
UPM Biochemicals

Dr. Sebastian Funtan studied chemistry at the Martin Luther University in Halle (Saale). During his studies he discovered his fascination for polymers, a class of molecules that offers almost endless application possibilities. He currently works at UPM Biochemicals, which in the future will produce bio-based chemicals from beech wood in Leuna, Germany. His position as laboratory manager for the application development of glycols allows him to combine his excitement for polymers with his interest to create sustainable products. One of his main research interests is PET, a polymer that is essential for the production of both textiles and bottles and that can be partially produced from renewable materials by using UPMs BioMEG (BioPura).

Dr Anu Kettunen

Ph.D., Senior Expert
KCL, Finland

Anu leads the microbiology team and hence strongly supports KCL strategy as a strong player in green transition towards sustainability. Anu holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Helsinki University of Technology (nowadays Aalto University) and has 25 years of experience in process and end product hygiene control in various industrial sectors from food processes to forest industry. Her scientific background combined with her profound understanding of process dynamics enabled her to develop novel analytical tools to dramatically improve the nonwoven storage turnover.

Noora Lindberg

Director, Sustainability & Marketing
Suominen Corporation

As a Director, Sustainability & Marketing, Noora leads various corporate level sustainability projects and initiatives, develops product sustainability and drives Suominen’s sustainability agenda. She also leads Suominen’s marketing communications, company brand and corporate level events. Noora works together with sales and other functions in diverse marketing and sustainability related topics. Noora holds a M.Sc. (Tech) degree in Environmental Management and is specialized in climate change related solutions.

Brieuc Lits

Public Affairs Director
EDANA

Brieuc Lits is the Public Affairs Director at EDANA, joining the organization in June 2024. In this role, Brieuc oversees the advocacy activities of the association, including fostering relationships with EU stakeholders. Prior to this, he worked in public affairs and communications at various European associations, focusing on sustainability, energy, employment and chemical legislation. Brieuc holds a PhD in Political Communication from the Université libre de Bruxelles, where his doctoral dissertation centered on EU lobbying.

Marko Ruottinen

Sustainability Manager
Metsä Fibre Oy

Marko has over 20 years’ experience in pulp and paper industry, expertise gathered from R&D, Customer Service, Sales and Marketing and Sustainability. Strong expertise in Sustainability, current responsibilities include all ESG aspects.

Veera Vaajasalmi

Manager, Innovation and Technology
Suominen Corporation

Veera has been leading R&D related teams and projects for 20 years. She is a strong team player with innovative mind and leadership attitude. In Suominen Corporation she leads a team responsible for pilot line and R&D laboratory activities. She also works as project manager for Suominen innovation and technology projects on the global level. Veera holds a M.Sc. (Food Science) degree from University of Helsinki, specialized in economics and packaging technology.