The daily brief: 16 October 2019

Finnish energy company Fortum and sustainable fibre technology company Spinnova have introduced the world’s first pieces of clothing produced from agricultural waste, namely wheat straw. The two companies are showcasing the highly sustainable textile fibre at the ongoing Textile Exchange Sustainability Conference in Vancouver. The prototypes include a t-shirt, jacket and skirt. Image: Fortum

Finnish company Hellon has been awarded for the fourth time at the international Service Design Awards 2019. Hellon was recognised for the innovative service identity it developed for insurance company Mandatum Life, which combined service design and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the customer experience. The jury picked the winners from nearly 150 entries without advance knowledge of which entry was submitted by which contestant. Hellon is the most awarded company in the competition’s history. Image: Hellon

Finnish technology group Wärtsilä and clean technology and marine engineering company Norsepower have signed a global service co-operation agreement. Norsepower is currently scaling up the production of its rotor sail technology, which improves vessel efficiency and reduces fuel consumption by harnessing wind to propel the ship forward. The deal enables Norsepower to order services from Wärtsilä’s global service network, while Wärtsilä can pursue and sell rotor sail projects with support from Norsepower. The global shipping industry is currently rushing to implement sustainable solutions ahead of new regulations that will significantly curb CO2 emissions in the oceans. Image: Norsepower