Innovation

Aisti is a frontrunner when it comes to acoustic tiles. There are many key characteristics that make Aistis’ tiles a product of a sustainable future. The Teno Acoustic Tiles are sustainable with a low carbon footprint. The tiles do not include plastic and are made of natural fibers. These are only some of the sustainable characteristics of the tiles. Besides sustainability, the tiles are easy to install, high performing with a class A noise absorption capacity. Lastly, a clear advantage of Aistis products is that it does not contain a green premium like many sustainable alternatives before it. This means they are affordable and able to compete in price with currently used products such as glass fiber.

Besides offering a great product as a sustainable choice, Aisti is contributing to multiple SDG’s, some highlighted on their homepage (SDG’s 3, 12 and 13) but also other SDG’s indirectly (SDG’s 9 and 11).

• SDG 3 (Good health and wellbeing): By reducing noise pollution, Aisti’s product contributes to healthier environments. This is especially true for sensitive individuals.

• SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure): Aisti providing a sustainable and resilient product to be used in building future sustainable infrastructures. Public buildings such as hospitals and universities will continue to demand acoustic products. Offering a sustainable product that is easy to work with and supports SDG 9.

• SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities): By supporting the creation of safe environment for public spaces especially for women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities, who can be sensitive to noise pollution. Many public buildings such as schools, hospitals, elderly homes amongst others can be supported by Aisti's tiles and support the creation of more inclusive sustainable urban environments.

• SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production): The tiles are fully recyclable, emphasizing responsible material use. This is very important if we want more sustainable construction, that is mindful of the environment.

• SDG 13 (Climate action): The product being energy efficient thanks to their special foam forming technology. The company is also mindful of the energy sources that they use to make the product, highlighting responsible behavior of the organization.

Inspiration

The idea for Aisti came from the current CEO and founder, Mikko Paananen. Before Aisti he had his own construction company and had worked with building acoustics for over 15 years. This made him familiar with the market. Paananen understood what the consumers wanted and was familiar with the difficult aspects of current materials used for acoustic. The gap for the product came due to customer demand. During the interview Aisti's CFO Suvi Sell stated the following about Paananen;

‘’His customers started to ask whether there would be any other material that would meet the technical requirements and the price point of the construction companies but would be easier to handle and safer to handle.’’ This sparked an idea and the gap in the market."

By pure coincidence Paananen met with the current COO and other founder Antti Fredrikson. Paananen began to share his ideas of a new potential product (the acoustic tiles), which he had read about in a scientific article. The author of the paper Petri Jetsu happened to be familiar to Fredriksons and he became the final founder of Aisti. Together the three men met and created Aisti.

Overall impact

Construction is among the most polluting sectors, producing almost 40% of global carbon emissions. New carbon taxes are being implemented starting 2025, which increases the incentive for construction companies to look for sustainable solutions. Traditional materials used in acoustic tiles such as fiberglass and rockwool are not only significant contributors to greenhouse gases but also put at risk both the health of construction workers and individuals that come in daily contact with it.

From day one of installation, individuals using public spaces will enjoy a calmer environment without the need of sacrificing comfort or visually pleasing surroundings. This will especially help individuals with mental conditions such as ADHD. The allergy friendly nature of the tiles will also boost wellbeing in individuals who might be sensitive to traditionally used fiberglass or rockwool, especially if they are prone to allergic reactions.

When put into action, Aisti’s products can reduce carbon emissions by 3.5 megatons in the next ten years. The Teno Acoustic Tiles are easy to install without requiring plastic binders or additional changes to current procedures. When the tiles come to the end of their lifespan of 50 years, Aisti’s Teno Acoustic Tiles are 100% recyclable. Although the company is not yet involved in the recycling process, they hope to look into it after getting production running.

Business benefit

Aisti’s operations are currently centered around their innovative Teno Acoustic Tiles, which the team is extremely passionate about. The passion can not only be seen in the founders who are construction and acoustic professionals, but also non-founding team members. The current CFO Suvi Sell shared a story about how she joined Aisti:

 “Mikko called me and told me he needed a CFO. I had never heard about Aisti or anything, but we talked with Mikko, and he talked about the business idea, the targets, the products, and the materials. It was so fascinating; I love wood as a material!”

The company is looking for more funding with the aim of expanding their production capabilities. The sustainable nature of the innovation helps in securing investments and loans. This is emphasized with municipalities and government organizations, since for example the Finnish Climate Fund has loaned them money.

Currently, Aisti is building their first proper manufacturing unit in Kitee, Eastern Finland. An annual revenue stream of approximately €50 million is expected from the factory after the stage of completion, with expectations of it increasing to €100 million when the factory can be run at full capacity. The company expects a 60% sales margin, indicating a high profitability.

The construction industry is traditional and strict with pricing. Companies selling for a high sustainability premium aren’t likely to survive for long. Aisti benefits from their sustainable tiles being able to match competitors prices. As the CFO points out: one euro difference in unit price can cause you to not be able to compete.

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Social and environmental benefit

Aisti’s innovation benefits society by improving public spaces such as schools and hospitals. The tiles significantly reduce the noise pollution, creating quieter more peaceful environments that sensitive groups such as children and elderly can benefit from. The Teno Acoustic Tiles being allergy-friendly and plastic free, ensure safe environments for everyone.

Environmentally, Aisti’s innovation helps to reduce carbon emissions. The Teno Acoustic Tiles are made from natural fibers ensuring that they are renewable and have a minimal ecological footprint. The construction industry accounts for 40% of the global carbon emissions, even a slight improvement in sustainability has a huge difference in the world. Lastly, AIsti’s tiles give an opportunity to be sustainable without having to pay a premium.

Interview

Suvi Sell, CFO