Sustainable Innovation: Best Scandinavian Innovators

What if saving the planet wasn’t just a monumental challenge, but an opportunity for ingenuity? In Scandinavia, where tradition meets a bold sense of possibility, innovation isn’t only about technology—it’s about rethinking how we live. From turning commutes into carbon-cutting adventures to rescuing perfectly good meals from the trash, this is the story of how Nordic thinkers are rewriting the rules of sustainability. These aren’t just ideas; they’re the sparks of a greener tomorrow.

Sustainable innovation is more than a trend. Sustainability is a key driver of innovation and companies around the world understand that. When it comes to the competitive landscape, sustainability is transforming it.

Companies are changing their business models, product, processes and technologies. Once again, Scandinavian countries turned out to be the leaders in the field. Here are some of the most innovative Scandinavian companies with sustainability as a backbone.

Sustainable Innovation on the Road

Converting car commuters into electric bike commuters in Stockholm and Gothenburg might be a big challenge but it’s also a number 1 mission for Sustainable Innovation, a Swedish non profit organisation owned by the Association for Energy Efficiency.

When talking about electric vehicles, Sustainable Innovation is focused on getting the number of electric bike, moped and scooter commuters higher. Electric vehicles can change the world and there are numbers to prove it. “If 10% of all trips over 15 km in the Stockholm area were made using light electric vehicles, the reduction of congestion and emissions would be the equivalent to the entire effect of congestion charges or 30 000 tonnes of CO2.” So what are the benefits of electric vehicles, you ask? Well, besides the obvious, healthier and longer life, electric vehicles do much more. There are benefits like potential emission reduction, reduced commuter traffic and energy consumption. If you’re still not sure electric vehicles are a better option, for you and the world around you, click on the video below and discover more benefits.

EcoWedding

Sustainability plays a big role in fashion. More and more designers are focused on sustainable materials and circular economy. However, when it comes to eco wedding dresses, there is one name you should remember. Leila Hafzi is a Norwegian fashion designer that started the trend of eco weddings. She has been a leader on the eco-conscious, high fashion scene since 1997 when she founded her company in Stavanger, a city in southwestern Norway. The designer was awarded the the prize for best sustainable fashion brand in 2014 and has only grown globally ever since. Her fabrics are made from 100% ecological fabrics. “Leila’s ambition is to develop a production cycle that is totally environmentally friendly and she is a member of the Norwegian organisation known as the Ethical Trading Initiative.”

Fighting Food Waste and Saving Food

“If food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases behind the US and China.” – United Nations

When To Good To Go app first appeared in the app store in Denmark, people started talking. Buying leftover food from restaurants before closing time was a new concept but it didn’t take long until it became THE concept. The idea behind To Good to Go is simple: Eat well, save money, save the planet. The process of saving food is really simple. You have a list of the restaurants in your area where the pick up is possible. By clicking on the desired restaurant, you will reserve your food. The food needs to be collected in the stated time window. The only thing you need to show at the restaurant is your order confirmation. Too Good To Go was founded in the end of 2015. and is now active in 6 countries with 4500 partner stores.

The Power of Sustainable Innovation in Wind Energy

When it comes to sustainable innovation, wind energy plays a big role. Vestas is a global leader, dedicated exclusively to development, manufacturing, sale and maintenance of wind power plants. “Every single day, Vestas wind turbines deliver clean energy that supports the global fight against climate change. Wind power from Vestas’ more than 43.000 wind turbines currently reduces carbon emissions by approximately 50 million tons of CO2 every year, while at the same time building energy security and independence.” Vestas has been amongst the most innovative companies in the world, since 2011. Their passion for innovation shows in the continuous development of their products and finding best solutions for their customers. “The innovative spirit within Vestas is clearly demonstrated in the number of inventions which Vestas has patented. In 2010 Vestas scaled up its patent investments, increasing the number of applications from 165 in 2009 to 227 in 2010.” Today, Vestas deliveres clean energy to more than 70 countries, supporting the global fight against climate change.

Takeaway

Not only sustainability is a kew driver of innovation but it’s also transforming the competitive landscape. Scandinavia is known for it’s sustainable approach to life and it’s high score when it comes to global innovation and sustainability. Furthermore, Scandinavian countries are trend-setters and first movers when it comes to Sustainable innovation. The above mentioned companies are a proof of it. The future definitely looks green!

You love sustainability and hearing the word innovation makes you jump for joy? We’ve got you covered. Click here to read more about Innovative Scandinavia and it’s Secrets and Nordic innovation: Top Nordic companies and their success.