Directory

Evolum is a glass-cutting design studio run by Jukka Isotalo in Helsinki. Since the late 1980s, Jukka has explored the environmental side of design and art. His crockery, lamps and sculptures are made from recycled glass bottles, reducing energy and use of resources while giving each piece a new life. At Nolla, our water glasses are his design — upcycled from old beer and soda bottles, with the transformation subtle enough that you only notice if you look closely.

For over 300 years, the Heikkilä family has been growing fresh produce and raising livestock in Laitikkala, Pälkäne. Today, the farm focuses on organic dairy producing milk, cheese, yogurt, and incredible ice creams — all made following cherished family recipes. The farm no longer keeps its own cows, but the family still regularly visits their old herd at the farm where they now live.

Noora Karila is a Helsinki-based designer and artist who makes functional ceramic tableware. Her handmade pieces are a celebration of the natural and organic properties of clay, whenever possible making use of Finnish wild clay and colouring oxides. Minimalistic designs and expressive textures are united through both traditional and more experimental techniques. A deliberately slow manufacturing process means Noora carefully considers what gets fired, as well as how to recycle and repurpose leftover clay to minimise waste.

Peltola Farm has been in operation since 1847, with a creamery running since the 1940s. Based in Suonenjoki, they produce artisan dairy including traditional blue cheese and churned butter. Animal wellbeing is central to their approach, and their cows are fed fodder grown on the farm — including red clover, which the team believes adds depth and character to the flavour of their products.

Sakura Oü is a quince orchard in Päka, Estonia, run by farmer Lehari Järg. Most of the work is done by Lehari himself, with one or two extra hands helping out during the summer months. Each quince is picked by hand. The orchard is managed with a light touch. Outside of the early growing season and harvest, the trees require little intervention. Young trees are supported with organic fertiliser made from chicken manure — a simple method that, according to Lehari, works like a charm.

Saloniemen Juustola in Laitila, run by Riitta and Jouni Saloniemi since 1998, has grown from a small herd of goats into a full-scale organic creamery. Today they produce award-winning cheeses and yogurts, as well as some natural cosmetics. Over the years the farm has also introduced Finncattle and a few workhorses, and Riitta is even considering adding sheep. “As long as the heart beats and tells us to keep going, we will,” she says.