Treston-biox-kari_nokka

‘The Apprentice’ accelerated the story of Treston BiOX 11.5.2022 | Kari Nokka

Treton Kari Nokka

Kari Nokka

Product Group Manager
In the spring of 2021, Treston's product group manager, Kari Nokka, sat on his own sofa without a clue that in the next hour he would get an idea that would revolutionize Treston's plastic production. ‘The Apprentice’ was his program of choice.

On that evening’s episode, competitors were given the task of creating a promotional video for MySoda’s new sparkling water makers. These products were made from environmentally friendly raw materials. Kari began to consider the option of using the concept for Treston’s own products. And just like that, the journey towards a carbon-neutral workstation had begun.
Treston BiOX
Treston BiOX looks like plastic, acts like plastic, but is made of wood-based material.


The first product based purely on the environment

Kari, who has always been keen on environmental aspects, was delighted with the new carbon-neutral material. “The sales team had already sent me a signal that customers are constantly becoming more eco-conscious, and we had received requests regarding sustainable material options. The basis for the product development was to provide an alternative to fossil-based products in the future,” Kari says.

And this is just the first step towards a completely carbon-neutral workstation.

Therefore, Treston BiOX was created for customers who value the environment. The product family offers an effortless way to positively affect our planet’s well-being. The material is carbon neutral, and it doesn’t consume non-renewable resources. “And this is just the first step towards a completely carbon-neutral workstation,” Kari adds.


A brilliant idea got off to a quick start

Kari Nokka in Turku at the first photoshoot for Treston BiOX products
Kari Nokka in Turku at the first photoshoot for Treston BiOX products
Easter grasses were planted in Treston BiOX bins according to the theme.
Easter grasses were planted in Treston BiOX bins according to the theme.

In August-September of the same year, the project officially started, and the first product trials were launched immediately. The project team was assembled. Professionals from many different activities, such as production, quality management, acquisition, sales, product development, testing and marketing, were included in the project. “I emphasize the importance of a great team. One of our values at Treston is success through teamwork, and in this project, we certainly put that into action,” Kari stresses.

I emphasize the importance of a great team.

A product launch that we can truly be proud of

The final product has been tested extensively, and our tests show that the quality and durability of Treston BiOX bins is similar to classic plastics. We are proud to say that the products are suitable for industrial use. "Well, of course we can be proud. Nothing like this has ever been done in the industry before," Kari says excitedly.

Well, of course we can be proud. Nothing like this has ever been done in the industry before

The project, which has progressed at a rapid pace, has now been completed, and in May 2022, Treston is proud to launch a first-in-industry, wood-based bin collection. “It has certainly been a fast schedule, but we have been working efficiently. I learned to say no to some things, and I improved my skills in prioritizing tasks,” Kari says of the journey.

“The internal signal has shown that we are seeing the future benefits of a renewable, carbon-neutral material due to the global situation. There is a demand for this kind of product. We have lots of customers for whom environmental issues are very important. We believe that the doors of our distributors are open to this type of product,” Kari continues.

 

Treston BiOX Story Kari Nokka 2
Kari Nokka presenting the final Treston BiOX products


Two interesting partners

Treston manufactures durable and high-quality products for industrial use. The properties of the wood-based material met the requirements and was selected for the final product. In the autumn, the project team led by Kari began to find out which players are available in the market. A large, Finland-based forest industry company, UPM, and likewise a Finland-based technology start-up company, Woodly, were selected as the main partners.

There have been lots of inspiring people involved in this project and we have learned a lot from each other.

“Cooperation with UPM and Woodly has gone very well. The project has been effective, and even though everyone has their own daily hurry, we have been able to work smoothly. There have been lots of inspiring people involved in this project and we have learned a lot from each other.” Kari says.

Read the press release about the launch of Treston BiOX 

Treston.UPM-Woodly