Dutch Timber Company Wins National Award for Tropical Hardwood Alternative

2026-03-21 green

The Hague, Saturday, 21 March 2026.
Finti’s groundbreaking technology transforms European softwood into sustainable building materials that replace tropical hardwood, earning national recognition at the presence of Queen Maxima.

National Recognition at Historic Event

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Finti was crowned Circulaire Changemaker at the Circulaire Innovatie Top 2026 during the Nationaal Congres Circulaire Economie in Utrecht’s Werkspoorkathedraal [1]. The ceremony took place in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Maxima, marking a significant milestone for Dutch circular economy innovation [9]. Eleven finalists from four provinces—Utrecht, Overijssel, Gelderland, and Flevoland—competed in the national finale [1]. The jury, chaired by Sanne Westra of VNO-NCW MKB Nederland and including experts Hester van Beeck Calkoen from Future Up, Hans van de Guchte from Rabobank, and Laurens de Lange from TerraTransities Holding B.V., selected winners across three categories after careful deliberation [1].

Revolutionary Technology Tackles Deforestation

Finti’s award-winning innovation centers on transforming fast-growing European softwood into a durable, sustainable building material that directly replaces tropical hardwood [1][2]. The company, based in Haaksbergen, sources its wood exclusively from FSC- and PEFC-certified forests, ensuring responsible forestry practices [2]. The production process employs thermal modification without chemicals, creating wood that is dimensionally stable, low-maintenance, and fully recyclable while maintaining exceptional longevity [2]. This breakthrough addresses critical deforestation concerns while providing the construction industry with an environmentally responsible alternative that doesn’t compromise on performance or aesthetic appeal.

Carbon Impact and Circular Economy Benefits

The environmental benefits of Finti’s technology extend beyond sustainable sourcing. Through energy-efficient production methods and systematic reuse of waste streams, the company significantly reduces the CO₂ impact of buildings [2]. The process even generates CO₂ credits, contributing positively to carbon accounting in construction projects [2]. By utilizing local European raw materials and creating a fully recyclable product, Finti embodies circular economy principles that keep resources in productive use rather than creating waste [6]. The company’s approach demonstrates how traditional industries can transition to more sustainable practices while maintaining commercial viability.

Path to National Success

Finti’s journey to national recognition began with victory at the Overijsselse Circulaire Innovatie Top 2026, held on March 10, 2026, at De Makersfabriek in Zwolle [2][3]. The regional competition showcased six nominated companies pitching their circular innovations to a jury comprising Marcus Popkema from Hogeschool Windesheim, Maurice Beijk from ReintenInfra BV, and chairman Hero Klinker, who serves as circular economy program leader for Overijssel province [2]. The event, organized by VNO-NCW Midden in partnership with Overijssel province, Oost NL, and Natuur en Milieu Overijssel, serves as both a showcase for innovative solutions and a networking platform for entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and government bodies [2]. Following their regional success, Finti advanced to the national finale where they competed against winners from other provinces for the ultimate recognition in circular innovation [6].

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circular economy sustainable materials