Sustainability is built into Närko’s trailers and superstructures
When trailer and superstructure manufacturer Närko created its first sustainability report a couple of years ago, the company was pleasantly surprised; it turned out that Närko’s factory was already climate neutral.
“We had switched to green electricity and district heating from biomass earlier, but we were still a bit astonished that it was enough to make the factory climate neutral according to scope two”, recalls Närko Group’s owner and CEO Mikael Louhi.
Since then, the sustainability work has continued with full force. In 2024, Närko was the first company in its field to calculate scope three – that is, the emissions deriving from the entire value chain.
“Now that we have calculated all the scopes, it is easier to target our efforts on the measures that have the biggest impact from a sustainability point of view”, says Louhi.
In addition to further work within the value chain and scope three, Närko plans a significant investment in improved ventilation in its factory, which will lead to major energy and cost savings.
Towards the market Närko collaborates closely with its suppliers, constantly working towards lighter products. By incorporating new technologies within electrification and aerodynamics, smaller fuel consumption and thus a smaller environmental footprint can be achieved. Minimizing the rolling resistance is another way of making the product itself more environmentally friendly.
“You could say that sustainability is built into our trailers and superstructures. The lighter they are, the less fuel is consumed when they are used”, explains Närko’s MD Nicklas Pärus.
During 2025-2027, Närko plans major strategic investments totaling €10 million euros, aimed at increasing capacity and capability in Finland, Sweden and Norway. The focus is on specific product and customer segments, one of which is the Defence Forces in the Nordic countries.
“Compared to regular customers, the Defense Forces impose stricter demands. The products need to work flawlessly when needed, although they are mostly not in use.”
Today, the defense segment accounts for one fifth of Närko’s turnover, but according to Mikael Louhi, Närko is prepared for growth in this area.
