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.

Iran Tila is a regenerative micro-farm in Kirkkonummi, run by Ira Wichmann. On a small plot of land, Ira grows over 150 varieties of vegetables and flowers, focusing on open-pollinated heirloom varieties and high biodiversity. Ira uses natural farming methods combining traditional techniques with current research into soil life and plant-microbe relationships. Her collaboration with Nolla is rooted in a shared approach responsibility and a firm belief in the idea that flavour starts in the soil. Both are dedicated to reducing waste from field to kitchen, while exploring how every part of a plant can be put to use.

Kaarlejoki grows root vegetables and other crops using methods that build soil health. They supply private customers, co-ops, wholesale buyers, and restaurants, while also producing grains, legumes, and fodder for a neighbouring organic dairy farm. In return, they receive composted manure, keeping nutrients cycling through their land. Kaarlejoki also collaborates with other small-scale and organic farms, helping to distribute their products and strengthen the local food network.

Kaiholan Puutarha in Orivesi is run by Pia Kärki and Glenn Eloranta on land that once belonged to Glenn’s grandfather. They grow a wide range of herbs, edible flowers, berries, and vegetables, and also manage gardens for others. The couple likes to experiment with unusual varieties, from Thai cucumbers to Huacatay and golden garlic flowers. All production is done without tractors, single-use plastics, or chemicals, using natural methods and ecosystem services to support healthy soil.

Majvik is a biodynamic farm and farm shop in eastern Sipoo, run by Atte Hermansson. The farm focuses on grains including oat, spelt, wheat as well as root vegetables like celeriac, black salsify, parsnip, and a variety of beets, alongside organic eggs. Of its 60 hectares, 20 are farmable, and half of that is grazed by a small herd of Eastern Finnish cattle, which help fertilise the land naturally. Majvik is also a space for learning and community: students, seasonal workers, and volunteers all take part in the growing and harvest season. “I like the idea of a farm in the social sphere – it’s supposed to be for people,” says Atte.

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.

Santa Dorotea farm in Box, Sipoo, produces over 200 different vegetables, herbs, berries, fruits and flowers on a market garden scale site, including 50 different varieties of tomatoes, grown outdoors. Owner Sara Celvin is committed to ecological practices and soil-conservation techniques, such as the use of cover crops and minimal tilling, whilst making use of their own worm compost and chicken manure. Sara also offers gardening and horticulture services for locals interested in regenerative, environmentally responsible food production, through courses and food events.

Svarfvars is an organic farm located in Raseborg. They produce organically and biodynamically grown goods for schools, kindergartens and restaurants in the capital area and in western Uusimaa – selling both their own grown vegetables, but also sell and import other organic products. Currently their focus is on growing vegetables and herbs both in open fields and in greenhouses heated with wood chips.

Helsinki Distilling Company was founded in 2014 by friends and whiskey enthusiasts Kai Kilpinen and Mikko Mykkänen. It became the city’s first distillery in over a century, based in Teurastamo, Helsinki’s old abattoir district. Their range includes gin, local aquavit, applejack from Finnish apples, “lonkero,” and rye and single malt whiskey. The team works with circular-economy projects, turning spent mash into biogas, while their Tahko distillery focuses on organic production and local ingredients.