Releases 2008
UVITEC victorious in Kemira Innovation Contest
The winning inventions of Kemira Innovation Contest 2007 were rewarded on 11
June 2008. The prize for the most significant invention was shared by UVITEC® 2D
of Tikkurila and the Calcium Sulphate Gypsum Pigment of Kemira Pulp & Paper.
A total of 215 inventions from nine countries participated. Four
finalists were selected to compete for the first prize of EUR 100,000. The
innovation contest involved the entire Kemira Group, and the goal was to
stimulate research and development operations. The number of entered inventions
and patent applications increased almost fourfold during the competition.
Kari Soljamo and Mikael Knif who have already left Tikkurila were
awarded EUR 0,000 each for creating an efficient, low-emitting and energy saving
method UVITEC® 2D. The method is applicable for instance in the treatment of
parquet boards and PVC flooring. Another EUR 30,000 is invested in a fund to be
used for rewarding future new inventors in Tikkurila.
The UVITEC® 2D
method was launched on 13 November 2007 at the RadTech Europe Conference &
Exhibition in Vienna, Austria. Trial runs with customers began in early 2008,
with the first tests on the UV-curing device already having proven that the
method works excellently. In May 2008, the method evoked a great interest among
international visitors at the Xylexpo Fair for the woodworking in Milan, Italy.
The other half of the first prize, EUR 50,000 was divided between three
different inventions made in Kemira Pulp & Paper. Kemira Water and Kemira
Pulp & Paper were rewarded for their activeness.
The best invention
in 2007 was selected on the basis that it supports the business strategy, is
unique and can be patented. The invention has to be technologically appropriate
for Kemira and provide significant growth of business. Capacity for rapid
commercial launching was another criterion.
Source: Kemira Oyj
