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"In the year 2012 Stora Enso launched birch dissolving pulp from Enocell mill. During the very same year Stora Enso started to support Ioncell fibre development by supplying dissolving which is used as a raw material for this new textile fibre.

North Karelia is known from its birch forests that are especially beautiful during the spring time: dazzling white birch stems standing proud and deliciously green leaves spreading like a green roof above the stems. This was my inspiration for the scarf. Pirjo Hirvonen guided me through Pantone color chart to pick up the correct tones for birch stems and leaves.

Pirjo Hirvonen started her contribution by searching a photo of a birch forest. She used the photo as a source of inspiration helping her to convert her idea into an idea of a knitted surface imitating birch stems. She also give the scarf the name “Koivikko” which means a birch forest. Marja Rissanen was responsible for the conversion of the defined knitted surface into stitches. She also took care of the technical functionality of the scarf. Finally Pirjo Hirvonen, Pirita Lahti, and Marja Rissanen hand painted the scarf.

For the official photos we got a skillful photographer Eeva Suorlahti that succeeded to bring best out the scarf as well as the model.  

This all was made possible mostly due to strong belief in technology by professor Herbert Sixta. Aalto University has developed the process and Helsinki University has taken care of the ionic liquids development. What I see as one of the strengths in Ioncell development is the participation of the whole textile value chain – from the raw material producer to the brand owner. I want to express my compliment for the large Ioncell family for an interesting journey that still continues. And my special thanks to Pirjo, Marja, Anna, Pirita, and Eeva that have devoted their time and passion to make this scarf happen and let me participate the creation process. This scarf will always have a special place in my heart."

Written by Sirpa Välimaa, Product Manager Dissolving Pulp at Stora Enso Oyj

First published on 14 June 2018: