Fifteen years ago, when SF Tec founder and innovation commercialization lead Juha Roininen started exploring ways to utilize slag, he likely didn’t anticipate that today he would hold two patents with a third in progress. These timely innovations address the growing industrial need for more sustainable operational methods.
Juha Roininen emphasizes SF Tec’s close cooperation with universities, particularly the University of Oulu, where the company has its own on-site office. (Photo: Soile Suvanto)
It All Started While Sitting on a Pile of Slag
“It all began 15 years ago when I was still working at Outokumpu and sitting atop piles of slag. I started pondering how smaller and more remote slag heaps could be utilized more cost-effectively. The idea emerged for innovations that would allow efficient use of waste heat in a compact space,” Juha Roininen recalls.
“Key drivers for innovation are the state of the climate and circular economy.”
The patenting process has been a lengthy journey, first domestically and then internationally. “My motivation comes from working for the environment and the circular economy. I dare to claim that our innovation is perhaps the best in its category worldwide. For me, entrepreneurship is a force driven by passion,” Roininen says, reflecting on his decade-long entrepreneurial journey.
A Dryer for Metals, Biomaterials, and More
One patented innovation is a counterflow dryer for byproduct materials, featuring multiple drying levels stacked vertically, allowing it to fit into small spaces. The largest version is just 12 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 5 meters high.
The dryer is customizable, scalable, and quick to construct. “We’ve also invested in automation. Although the idea initially catered to Outokumpu’s needs, the dryer has been developed to handle a wide range of materials beyond metals and minerals, including biomaterials and wood biomass for circular economy applications,” Roininen explains.
The Future Lies in Biochar: A Third Patent in Progress
In addition to the industrial dryer, SF Tec has patented heat exchanger technology for recovering waste heat from molten slag in the steel industry. A third domestic patent is in the works through its subsidiary, Carbon Balance Oy. “This one focuses on a biochar production facility, and the patent process is advancing smoothly,” Roininen says.
The biochar industry is expected to experience strong growth. According to Bioenergia ry, production capacity could grow more than tenfold by 2030. Roininen is optimistic about biochar’s potential. “Biochar offers a tremendous climate opportunity, and its demand is set to explode. Currently, there are already 60 different biochar products, with more being developed. Biochar has even replaced cement in construction, providing a significant opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint,” he says.
However, cost factors are a barrier to wider adoption. “Our main task is to reduce costs, and our innovations will significantly lower the costs of biochar production,” Roininen enthuses.
Digipolis Boosts SF Tec Through the EU RISE Project
Oulu-based SF Tec is a participant in the EU RISE project, led in Finland by Kemin Digipolis Oy.
“We’re planning to expand our operations to the Sea Lapland region. Collaboration with Digipolis has been crucial, as we lack the resources to expand into Lapland independently,” Roininen explains.
Pirkka Junes, a project specialist at Kemin Digipolis Oy, notes that the EU RISE project provides SMEs with frameworks and practical tools to access innovation investment through EU and market-based funding.
“We’ve had a strong and close collaboration with SF Tec in the RISE project. They’re one of two companies from Northern Finland involved in this multinational initiative across eight EU countries and Norway,” Junes says.
Outokumpu Will Always Be Part of Him
Junes adds that SF Tec is involved in multiple SME working groups within the RISE project. “Their unique drying technology is attracting interest across Europe, particularly in the context of waste heat utilization,” Junes notes.
For Roininen, Sea Lapland appeals not only as a business opportunity but also as a personal connection. Having spent half his life in Tornio, he quips, “A man can leave Outokumpu, but Outokumpu will never leave the man.”
TEXT: SOILE SUVANTO
