We are delighted to welcome Niko Mellanen to the Innomost team as our new Chief Sales Officer (CSO).
With more than 20 years of experience in the paper, board, and packaging industries, Niko brings deep expertise from leadership positions at Stora Enso and Delfort, where he specialised in barrier coatings, innovation commercialisation, and strategic sales management.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time. The packaging and coatings industries are undergoing major transformation driven by EU regulations and consumer demand for safer, recyclable materials. The upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requires all food packaging to be recyclable by 2030, while the proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction will accelerate the transition away from fluorinated chemicals used for grease and water resistance. As PFAS compounds are expected to be banned by around 2030, the demand for high-performing biobased alternatives is urgent.
Innomost’s patented technology converts upcycled birch bark from FSC-certified Nordic forests into sustainable, biodegradable, and high-performing ingredients. Rich in suberin and betulin, birch bark offers strong protective and hydrophobic properties ideal for next-generation coatings and packaging. Products such as Betuinno™ Betulin and Suberinno™ Suberin serve as natural, non-fluorinated alternatives to fossil-based polyols, synthetic waxes, and microplastics. These materials deliver durability, flexibility, and hydrophobic performance for industrial coatings, adhesives, and beyond.
“I am excited to join Innomost at this transformative moment,” Niko Mellanen says. “I believe the need for sustainable biobased barrier solutions is accelerating, especially in Europe, and Innomost’s technology offers a unique mix of strong performance, sustainability, and suitability for industrial production. My goal is to help turn ambition into impact, connecting innovation with the market and building partnerships that enable broad adoption,” Niko explains.
“Niko’s track record in commercialising high-performance materials fits perfectly with Innomost’s mission,” says Tiina Bensky, CEO of Innomost. “With his expertise in the industrial business development, especially in barrier coatings applications as well as in new innovations, we are excited to continue our mission to be one of the leading manufacturers replacing fossil-based ingredients with biobased ones across many industries,” she continues.
“Niko understands how to navigate complex value chains, build strategic partnerships, and bring technically demanding products to market at scale. That experience will be critical as we accelerate the commercialisation of our upcycled, biobased ingredients into real industrial use. We are already testing some exciting new use cases and looking forward to reaching the full potential of wood-based innovations.”
Welcome to the team, Niko!
