Expo 2025 Osaka: Happiness Day of Finland – Finnish Fashion & Textile’s panel discussion

Tietoa tapahtumasta

Panel discussion on Sustainable Lifestyle – the Nordic Way: How Finnish textile and fashion companies are leading the transition, hosted by Finnish Textile & Fashion 

Overconsumption of textiles and apparel is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. We are all too familiar with the growing mountains of textile waste. The way we currently consume and deplete natural resources is unsustainable. This calls for urgent, transformative action to radically shift the practices of the textile and fashion industry.  

This panel discussion will spotlight Finland’s pioneering role in shaping a more sustainable future for fashion. From designing responsible brands and products to developing cutting-edge bio-based materials and circular innovations, Finnish companies are at the forefront of the industry’s green transition. 

Join us to hear from the leading Finnish companies how they are redefining what it means to create responsibly and how they have begun this vital shift with the innovative solutions they are bringing to the global stage.

Panellists: 

• Mr Kalle Gummerus, CEO, VIBAe
• Mr Juha Luhtanen, CEO, Luhta Sportswear Company
• Mr Shahriare Mahmood, Chief Product & Sustainability Officer, Spinnova 
• Mr Niklas von Weymarn, CEO, Metsä Spring (TBC)

The conversation is moderated by Ms Marja-Liisa Permikangas, Managing Director of Finnish Textile & Fashion.  

Closing remarks by Mr Ville Tavio, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development of Finland (TBC). 

After the discussion, taking place at 12:30-13:30, there will be time for networking with other participants in the Nordic Pavilion until 14:00. 

Welcome!

Please note: 

Participation in this event is limited to invited guests and requires pre-registration. Please note that entry to the Nordic Pavilion also requires a valid ticket to the Expo 2025 Osaka or accreditation for press.

Guests are also welcome to join the full programme of the Happiness Day of Finland: Starting at 11:00-12:00 with the Opening Ceremony and Cultural Program at Expo’s National Day Hall and ending at 18:00-19:30 with Evening Party: ”Party Like a Finn – Rock & Fashion” at Expo’s National Day Hall. 

Registration: 

Please register here for the event no later than 12:00 AM on June 5th.

More information: 

Please contact Saara Majuri, saara.majuri@stjm.fi for any inquiries.