Since 2019, the 4R Innovation Ecosystem has acted as an open innovation platform that turns systemic plastics challenges into growth opportunities for Finland – accelerating circular and bio-based solutions across industries.
4R Ecosystem
Systemic transition for circular plastics
Key numbers
organisations mobilised
in prepared RDI projects
core & steering group members
CLIC’s role
CLIC Innovation coordinates and operates the ecosystem, bringing together companies, research organisations, capital, civil society and public actors and helping shape collaborations into fundable RDI initiatives and stronger long-term partnerships.
The transition to circular plastics requires systemic change: new materials, stronger recycling and circulation, new business models, and collaboration across industry, research, public actors, civil society and capital.
4R was built as an open innovation ecosystem to tackle this systemic challenge through three spearheads – circular packaging, technical plastics & composites, and textiles. The work has included ecosystem facilitation, co-creation workshops, design sprints, webinars and knowledge-sharing sessions, as well as the development of RDI roadmaps and market-shaping plans for each focus area.
Innovation ecosystems are built around research, development and innovation (RDI). They bring together the RDI units of companies and the public sector with universities and research institutes – in the spirit of public–private partnerships and the Penta Helix model.
At the core is the creation of new knowledge, competence and innovations: strengthening business and innovation activity, generating societal wellbeing, improving cost-efficiency, and boosting the impact of research through interaction between actors from different parts of society.
- Accelerated high-impact RDI initiatives supporting circular and bio-based plastics solutions across industries
- Built a broad project portfolio: 38 completed projects, 16 ongoing and 1 in preparation (as currently presented on the 4R site)
- Strengthened collaboration with other ecosystems, Veturi companies and international initiatives — connecting plastics innovation to wider industrial transformation and EU green transition goals
(Photo: Kemianteollisuus ry)
Muoviteollisuus ry
Vesa Kärhä
From the perspective of the Finnish plastics industry, it has been highly valuable to participate in the 4R network, not only as an association, but above all in advancing the business of our member companies. All 4R activities have been strongly business-driven, the topics highly relevant, and the project development professional. The result has been exactly what you would hope for: motivation, success and clear results. This is how we should build the future together.”
About Muoviteollisuus ry: The Finnish Plastics Industries Federation is the joint association for companies that manufacture, use, process and recycle plastics, representing the sector in industrial and labour market policy. Through its divisions (packaging, pipes, composites, injection moulding, recycled plastics, vinyl and more), it connects the breadth of the Finnish plastics value chain. plastics.fi
4R at a clance
4R shows what happens when 600 organisations work towards one circular goal — with CLIC as the orchestrator.
Organisations that have supported the building of 4R ecosystem
“Looking to build or accelerate an innovation ecosystem? Let’s talk.”
