Finland’s Most Sustainable Product Competition Boosts Corporate Competitiveness

Research indicates that many consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Corporate sustainable business practices and consumer choices together are the fastest way to address the global sustainability crisis. Companies are key players in promoting sustainable values and practices within society, but defining impactful actions can be complex. That’s why the Most Sustainable Product in Finland competition brings the definition of sustainability to its most important level—the level of the products manufactured by companies.

“Companies generally want to operate sustainably, but oversimplifying sustainability can lead, even unintentionally, to greenwashing. This competition also helps consumers make responsible purchasing decisions,” says Tiina Saukko, CEO of Infine.

“Defining the overall sustainability of products is still in its infancy internationally. It is now important to combine expertise across disciplines and evaluate facts that are essential for sustainability,” says Minna Halme, Professor of Sustainable Business at Aalto University. She continues: “The assessment examines the sustainability features of a product or service comprehensively, considering climate change, environmental footprint, human rights, workers’ rights, domestic production, local sourcing, and business ethics. The product is also compared to what is currently available on the market.”