SIX Elastomeric Systems

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Sustainable growth from advanced material solutions

The SIX Elastomeric Systems cluster is a new Finnish, open collaboration platform. It brings together companies, as well as research and educational organizations interested in the development, production and application of elastomeric materials. The cluster aims to strengthen Finland's position as a pioneer in sustainable and innovative material solutions and high-value products made from them.

The industry linked to elastomers, e.g. rubber, is a strategically important sector for Finland. Alongside other industries, it is undergoing a digital and green transition that opens up new opportunities. There is a shift from fossil-based raw materials to renewable and recyclable alternatives, advanced materials and smart products made from them open up multidimensional opportunities, and the need for new knowledge is growing.

The SIX Elastomeric Systems cluster responds to these challenges by bringing stakeholders together around a joint actionable agenda and goal-oriented practical collaboration. It will accelerate the development of the industry on the path toward a more sustainable and competitive future.

Joint vision

We enable new value and competitive advantage by shifting to sustainable raw materials and developing advanced materials that drive innovation and excellence.

1 Joint research and innovation development, shared results

Enabling the joint achievement of company-specific and broader industry-wide ‘green and digital’ goals. The cluster facilitates the efficient solving of complex challenges in collaboration with industrial and research actors, using a shared actionable roadmap.

Our mission

2 Developing skills, ensuring the availability of future talent

Ensuring the availability of the skills and knowledge needed by the industry by jointly identifying the future competence needs and focus areas, developing education based on these, and promoting knowledge sharing between actors. Progress is driven by practical implementation, leveraging infrastructure capabilities.

3 Influencing developments in the operating environment

Enabling greater visibility for the sector's actors both in Finland and internationally, so that we can build a more favorable operating environment. Together, we influence the development of regulations, standards, access to funding, as well as other decision-making processes.

Joint roadmap

Roadmap themes

1. Sustainable material design and innovation

Vision: Sustainable raw materials create unique competitive advantage for Finland.

By 2035, fossil-free and bio-based raw materials will be mainstream in material production, offering economic, environmental, and societal benefits while reducing fossil dependency. New sources like agricultural by-products and CO₂-based polymers enable more sustainable and advanced solutions. The sustainability impacts of the solutions are wide-ranging and include, for example, the reduction of microplastics.

Smart materials will drive new value through durability, adaptability, and digital design, enhanced by AI. Advanced piloting and simulation tools will accelerate material development from research to production.

A circular economy will be powered by intelligent material flows and efficient reuse of waste. Supportive regulation and EU engagement will strengthen Finland’s position as a leader in sustainable and competitive materials.

3. Application and integration

Vision: Sustainable materials enable product innovation.

By 2035, smart and sustainable bio-based materials will enable adaptive, high-performance products that generate new value through integrated functionality, lifecycle data, and circular design. These products will support environmental, economic, and social sustainability while offering new services, traceability, and personalized user experiences.

2. Advanced processing and manufacturing

Vision: Production has been aligned with new materials, enabling the generation of added value.

By 2035, processing and manufacturing technologies will be sustainable, smart, and autonomous. Closed-loop systems and energy-efficient processes will enable near-zero waste and carbon-neutral production. Manufacturing will fully support bio-based materials without compromising product properties. Advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, digital twins, and AI-driven process optimization will improve efficiency, quality, and adaptability. Modular, scalable, and decentralized factories—such as container-based units—will bring flexibility and local responsiveness. Transparent and collaborative production networks will enhance innovation, traceability, and resilience across the value chain.

4. New value from data & data intensive features / services

Vision: The use of data across the value network is a key driver of innovation and sustainable development.

By 2035, data collection, analysis, and AI capabilities will drive significant value throughout the lifecycle of advanced elastomeric materials and their products - from material development and design to manufacturing, usage, and recycling. Data will enhance material efficiency, optimization, and customization, enabling smarter, more sustainable products and services. This will also support environmental goals by reducing waste, resource consumption, and environmental impacts. Data will be key to innovating more sustainable advanced materials, optimizing production, and developing new products, services as well as business models. In complex, global value networks, data sharing between stakeholders will be crucial for innovation, regulatory compliance, and maximizing resource efficiency. Advanced technologies connected to data will enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved circularity.

5. Customer/human in the loop

Vision: Customer need-driven product development without material limitations.

By 2035, the sector will experience increased interest due to growth, new job roles, and a focus on developing industry-relevant skills. AI and automation will support cognitive decision-making, enhancing safety and efficiency in production. Customer-driven product development will be more flexible, focusing on more sustainable advanced materials and tailored solutions. Consumer expectations will prioritize sustainability, transparency, and ethical production, shaping future products and services.

Cluster operation and benefits

Recent

Tervetuloa käynnistämään SIX Elastomeric Systems -klusterin toimintaa maanantaina 16.6.

Kestävää kasvua edistyneistä materiaaliratkaisuista –yhteistyöalusta liikkeelle!

6 days ago