Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki connected more than 100 circular economy organisations and experts
The two-year Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki project developed a new model for bringing circular economy companies together. Located in Helsinki’s Arabianranta neighbourhood, the ARKI 135 hub supported sustainable business growth and served as a meeting place for circular economy innovators.
Helsinki aims to be a forerunner in fostering growth in the circular economy and creating a solid foundation for business success. Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki provided companies with access to new networks, practical business support and ideas for sharing resources.
The model was piloted at the ARKI 135 hub, established in the former industrial block in the Arabia neighbourhood. For one year, the physical hub space served as a meeting place where companies and researchers showcased new circular product and service innovations. The hub also welcomed Finnish and international visitor groups interested in the circular economy.
– Creating the conditions for the growth of circular economy businesses is important to us. At the ARKI 135 circular hub, SMEs received expert guidance and peer support to help them develop their circular business models and processes, says Paula Miettinen, Director of the Business Services unit at Business Helsinki and Chair of the project’s steering group.
Supporting the growth of circular economy businesses
A key objective of Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki was to turn the circular economy into business opportunities by providing free training, expert coaching, and research, development and innovation (RDI) collaboration for companies and experts operating in the Uusimaa region.
Over two years, the project organised 30 open events and two business development programmes: the ARKI 135 Circular Programme in autumn 2025 and the ARKI 135 Value Co-creation Lab in spring 2026.
– Working closely with companies of different sizes and at different development stages gave us valuable insights into the support they need for growth. Most companies that participated in the programmes have already taken their development ideas forward within their own organisations or with new partners, says Project Manager Mette Hiltunen from Business Helsinki.
ARKI 135: Circular business from the hub
The results of Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki have been compiled in the project’s final publication. Aimed at organisations interested in advancing the circular economy, the publication offers ideas and tools for developing similar collaboration models.
Advancing the circular economy in Helsinki continues
Although activities in Arabia have come to an end, the network built during the project will continue promoting the circular economy. Business Helsinki plans to utilise the models for business collaboration particularly in circular construction, one of the growth sectors identified in the City Strategy.
– Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki gave us an opportunity to explore the city’s role in enabling circular business. The business development programmes addressed key challenges faced by circular economy companies, and these experiences will be applied in the work of the Helsinki Circular Economy Cluster. Participating companies found the programmes valuable, and our aim is to offer similar programmes in the future, says Lari Sirén, Chief Specialist for circular economy at Business Helsinki.
Learn more about the ARKI 135 hub and discover circular solutions
Explore the Helsinki Circular Economy Cluster and become a member
Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki project was co-funded by the European Union. The project was carried out 1.10.2024–30.9.2026 in collaboration between the City of Helsinki and innovation company Forum Virium Helsinki.
