May 9, 2012

UPM, Fortum, Finavia, Martela, Karelia-Upofloor and Clear Channel will introduce a lounge concept called Suvanto at Helsinki Airport. The concept is a joint World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 project.

UPM manufactures the plywood arcs for the Martela lounge furniture while Fortum provides the electricity that passengers need to recharge and use various devices.

The plywood arcs are made using UPM’s patent pending Grada composite technology, which enables plywood to be formed after manufacturing.Despite the striking and relatively delicate look of the plywood, UPM Grada Plywood is not only stronger and more stable than traditionalform pressed components  but also more inexpensive.

"Implementing form-pressed pieces of this size by traditional means would be very expensive. However, the shaping features of the UPM Grada plywood enabled this at a feasible cost," says Kaido Kukk, Development Director of UPM Plywood.

Certified wood raw material is used to manufacture UPM Grada Plywood, which ensures the application of sustainable forest management and harvesting practices. The material can also be safely recycled or utilized as a carbon neutral energy source at the end of life.

Source: UPM, Finavia
More information: World Design Capital Helsinki 2012, Helsinki Airport, Finavia
Image: Finavia