Stala is taking a significant step toward sustainability by incorporating Outokumpu Circle Green® stainless steel into its products, responding to growing consumer demand for more sustainable kitchen solutions.
For over 50 years, Stala has been synonymous with Scandinavian design, creating high-quality stainless steel sinks, worktops, cabin door covers, and patterned products that blend practicality with minimalist elegance. However, as environmental concerns become more pressing, Stala recognizes that aesthetics and functionality alone are no longer sufficient.
Sustainability is at the core of Stala's strategy. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 through the use of low-carbon materials, waste reduction, and durable product design. The stainless steel used in Stala products has been made of over 90% recycled materials, and its products are fully recyclable at the end of their lifecycle. This closed-loop approach highlights Stala's commitment to the circular economy and responsible manufacturing.
Starting in the first half of 2025, Stala will integrate Outokumpu Circle Green stainless steel into various products, including kitchen worktops, backsplashes, cabinet door panels, and cover panels. Circle Green is the world’s first towards-zero stainless steel, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to conventional options.
“We chose Outokumpu Circle Green for kitchen interiors because it has up to 93% lower carbon footprint compared to the global industry average,” says Pasi Härkönen, Managing Director at Stala. “It enables us to offer products with a significantly lower environmental impact, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.”
Although Circle Green maintains the same high quality, durability, and mechanical properties as conventional stainless steel, its production process is revolutionized to cut emissions. This involves sourcing low-emission raw materials, maximizing recycled content, and using only low-carbon electricity. As a result, the carbon footprint of Circle Green is up to 93% lower than the global industry average.*
Image by Outokumpu
Stala’s adoption of Circle Green builds on a long-standing partnership with Outokumpu, which dates back to Stala’s founding in 1972. The company's name itself is a blend of “stainless” and “Lahti,” reflecting its deep connection to both stainless steel and its hometown in Finland.
This enduring collaboration, founded on trust and shared values, has played a vital role in Stala's growth. Now, using Circle Green, the company is not only advancing its manufacturing process but also taking a forward-thinking approach to addressing global environmental challenges through teamwork and innovation.
Stala’s market research reveals a growing interest in products with transparent environmental credentials. Stricter regulations, such as the European Green Deal and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), are also driving companies to take climate responsibility seriously. Customers increasingly reward brands that prioritize sustainability, and by incorporating Circle Green, Stala is responding to this demand while differentiating itself in a competitive market.
Stala is dedicated to openly sharing its sustainability efforts through detailed carbon footprint reports and third-party validations. The use of Circle Green strengthens this transparency, providing verifiable data and lifecycle calculations.
“There’s a growing demand for low-emission products and more transparent sustainability claims,” Härkönen explains. “Customers are increasingly aware of their environmental impact and seek products that align with their values.”
Stala engages customers through dedicated sustainability web pages, showcasing initiatives such as the journey of its flagship product group, Stala ONE, and its overarching responsibility programs.
Circle Green is just the beginning. Stala has also implemented wind power, CO2-free heating in its Finnish factory, and biofuels in transportation. The company regularly recalculates product carbon footprints to ensure continual improvement. Additionally, Stala aims for at least a 0.5% annual emissions reduction and plans to further expand its use of renewable energy and recycled materials.
Stala strives to balance innovation with environmental responsibility, protecting the planet for future generations. “Moving forward, Circle Green will play a central role in our sustainability journey, symbolizing our commitment to more sustainable solutions,” Härkönen concludes.
Read more about Outokumpu Circle Green >
Stala – A Pioneer in Scandinavian Design and Stainless Steel Expertise
Stala Oy is a Scandinavian design company that develops, manufactures, and markets innovative solutions for functional home spaces. Our core expertise lies in combining stainless steel, Scandinavian design, and practicality in a sustainable and aesthetically appealing way.
StalaTex™ is the most sustainable patterned stainless steel, bringing a unique look to stainless steel surfaces. This award-winning innovation has received internationally recognized accolades, including the Green GOOD DESIGN, Red Dot: Product Design, and Creative Communication Design awards. Additionally, Stala has been honored as Best Kitchen Interiors Production Company in the Scandinavian Business Awards. Since September 2020, Stala has been part of Kovinoplastika Lož Group. www.stala.com
*) Global average CO₂ emissions (2023): 7 kg CO₂e per kg of stainless steel (Outokumpu’s calculation based on data provided by CRU, worldstainless, and Kobolde & Partners AB). Outokumpu Circle Green® CO₂ emissions: down to 0.5 kg CO₂e per kg of stainless steel.