Kekäle
Pitämisen puolesta

Starting point

Kekäle is a Finnish clothing store of 200 employees, with over 2 million customer encounters a year in 13 stores and a webstore.

The main idea of Kekäle’s operations has for years been “Pidä enemmän” (like more and wear more) – yourself and your clothes. The goal is for customers to only buy their favourite clothes to minimize the need of buying.

In 2022, Kekäle started a determined sustainability work. Fabrik’s strategic partner Rainbow Collection was selected as Kekäle’s consult and adviser. When Kekäle’s first sustainability strategy was finished for years 2023-2025 and they made the decision to apply for international B Corp certification, it was time to start the sustainability journey from the view of communicating, reporting and commiting.

Solutions

Concept of sustainability communication. As the work launched, we defined a new level on communications, as the earlier visual policies and messages were designed to serve a different purpose. Together we figured, with which kind of tone and catalogue could Kekäle promote its sustainability work inspiringly, transparently and credibly in their sustainability report, stores and other channels.

The concept “Pitämisen puolesta” (in favour of keeping/liking) continues the “Osta vähemmän, pidä enemmän” (Buy less, wear and like more) thought especially from the view of boosting a customer’s self-esteem: for Kekäle, clothes are not only temporary fashion vanity, but an essential part of how great it feels to be yourself.

Sustainability report. The report was based on a freshly done sustainability strategy. It was to be built by the standards but with inspiration, courage and a big heart. A strategy was made concrete by doing interviews and the new concept was used to bring clarity among with infographics and photographs.  Get to know more >

“IF OUR FIELD WANTS TO BE SUSTAINABLE, WE HAVE TO SELL LESS CLOTHES. IT IS TIME FOR CONSUMPTION TO CHANGE – OUR BUSINESS IS READY FOR THIS. “

JOONAS KEKÄLE, CEO

Learn more

Culture Handbook. Staff and their well-being was highlighted in Kekäle’s materiality assessment. Kekäle is a family business and the staff is the heart of their success: “We want our staff to grow, glow and experience their job as a meaningful thing to do.”

Using the new concept, a new Culture Handbook was built from the view of leading a business culture and developing employer image. Staff experience surveys, theming and folding were done. The Culture Handbook will be in a constant development from now on.

B Corp certification. Whilst making the sustainability strategy Kekäle decided to apply for the international B Corporation certificate. It is a respected and a hard work demanding recognition, which requires a holistic sustainability of the operations and a verifiable positive impact. The certificate is due to be received by the end of 2023 which allows Kekäle to make its sustainability transparent and receive internationally credible standards for its operations. We helped with the certificate questions, designing, collecting documents and clarifying the meaning of the application.

“In the report publishing a year from now we are able to tell a lot more about our work. With our work, we hope to encourage other businesses to seize the sustainability theme.

Results

Through their actions Kekäle has taken brave steps towards a more sustainable business, in which Kekäle’s role changes from an individual seller to an accountable clothing companion and a trendsetter. At the same time, Kekäle’s brand has started to grow towards a direction which consumers and stakeholders expect from the achievers of the future.

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Jonna Ekroos

Communication Strategist, Partner


VR Group
Päärautatieasema
Eliel 150

Starting point

The 150th birthday of the architect of Finland’s Central railway station, Eliel Saarinen, was in the 20th of august 2023. This special moment was to be honored in a special way with the citizens. But how?

Solution

The Central railway station is a landmark every Finn knows and up in its tower are located the most viewed bells in Finland. Throughout its existence it has only lacked one function: its bells have never been rung. Now if ever was the time to celebrate Saarinen’s birthday and give the bells a sound.

This mission was given to Artlab Studio’s melodic genius, Tuomas Skopa. For inspiration the names Sibelius and Merikanto were mentioned – the same people Saarinen listened to while he was designing.

The ringing of the bells was broadcasted live by MTV, Yle, Iltasanomat, Iltalehti and Helsingin Sanomat amongst others

“THIS UNFORGETTABLE EVENT EXCEEDED ALL OUR EXPECTATIONS. DOING SOMETHING ROUSING WE CREATED A HISTORICAL PHENOMENON WORTHY OF THE STATION AND A NATIONAL VISIBILITY. NEITHER OF THESE THINGS YOU CAN BUY. “

Jani Jääskeläinen, VR Group

Results

A straightforward planning and production brought an audience of a million. The ringing of the station’s bells appeared in national news broadcasts and countless articles – not to forget social media content and coffee table conversations. These signs proved that we succeeded in our target to cross the news threshold by doing something extraordinary.

The event was noted week earlier for example in Iltalehti, Iltasanomat, Helsingin Sanomat, Yle and MTV. At the zero hour, the event was watched by – in addition to thousands of people – several cameras from the earlier mentioned companies: they captured the moment live on air. In the interviews the celebration was to be linked to the future strategy of the station. Additionally, we raised awareness of developing the future of the beating heart of Helsinki’s architectural gem.


MEDIAHITS IN ONLINE MEDIAS, WEBSITES AND ONLINE MAGAZINES
82

PEOPLE WITNESSING THE EVENT ON THE SPOT
1 000

MONEY SPENT ON MEDIA
0 €

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Ville Timonen

Creative Director, Partner


Pohjois-Karjalan maakuntaliitto
Redesigner

Starting point

According to studies North-Karelia’s balanced and relaxed image still attracts people in this hectic world, and in 2021 more people moved to North-Karelia than ever in statistical history.

What else is North-Karelia known for than cottages and Karelian pies? How are young adults and people heading to labour market reached to keep the area vibrant in the future?

To respond to the challenges, in the summer of 2023 The Regional Council of North-Karelia (Pohjois-Karjalan maakuntaliitto) decided to implement a campaign, which was to largely renew the image of North-Karelia and call for a new 20 to 35-year-old target audience.

Solution

A two-phased Redesigner-campaign was designed for North-Karelia. Its center is in the sustainable values and an encounter to remember. The main channels of marketing alongside with their social media were the Flow Festival’s channels, impact-cooperation and earned media.

Step 1. The dream job of the summer

The campaign started with a recruitment, in which three young adults were searched for a new kind of summer job – their mission was to plan a sustainably built, unique fashion creation and at the same time, view North-Karelia from their own personal perspective. Everyone between ages from 15 to 30 was invited to apply. The requirements were for one to design and make clothes, and to be interested to create something new for North-Karelia based on their values.

88 designers applied and the selections were made by North-Karelian Achilles Ion Gabriel, who is the creative leader of Camper and one of the most influential fashion designers in Finland. Linda Turunen, a postdoctoral researcher of sustainable fashion helped the young employees with their work and with conceptualizing circular economy. The young adults selected were Elina Heilanen, Juha Vehmaanperä and Priss Niinikoski. They visited North-Karelia in the summer of 2023 and made content of the trip to their own social media channels.

Step 2. Flow X North-Karelian showroom

North-Karelia was chosen as an official partner for the Flow Festival 2023 based on shared values and as a result, Redesigner’s recruitment was prominent in Flow’s channels during the spring. The showroom was made visually impressive, surprise-providing magic land, in which all the visitors could feel themselves special and accepted.

The Redesigner-creations of the three young designer stars were published in the first day of the Flow Festival, at the press conference of the showroom. Circular economy was a strong center of the showroom. Plants, fishing nets and old recycled towels from North-Karelia were used in the creations of the young designers. To create the North-Karelian department, old industrial tank-containers, skylight domes and washing machine drums were used.

Results

“An ambitious campaign was created based on our values, and trough the implementation we could speak to a whole new target audience inspiringly and by sharing the message of societal circular economy. During spring and summer, we got the deserved visibility trough recruitment, selection and finally the partnership. Flow’s channels, influencers and the earned media worked very well. In only 3 days the showroom was visited by 21 000 people. This project was done together and with a full heart.” –Marketing Manager of North-Karelia, Heli Räsänen

”North-Karelia as Flow Festival’s partner was such an extraordinary idea, it had to be done. The campaign showcased important values and content such as sustainability, arts, and fashion. The implementation was unique and inspiring, and the audience gave us great feedback. We are grateful for North-Karelia for their bravery to jump into new things and for the seamless cooperation.” –Flow Festival’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Vilja Grotenfelt

”Redesigner-campaign was a wonderful chance to get to know North-Karelia! It is amazing, that the Regional Council of North-Karelia has such a brave way to make their county visible in a whole new way, as they are supporting young designers at the same time. This project has enabled visibility in various channels and medias during spring and summer. Additionally, my outfit was sent to Maria Veitola for her to borrow to a press conference of a TV-show. –A young designer for the Redesigner, Juha Vehmaanperä

“The level of talent of the 88 applicants was very high. Many had an identifiable handprint and style, which is always important when designing. Priss, Elina and Juha were all able to combine different materials in their work, and as the outcome they emerged something new and insane, while being true to their own style. Because of my own origins, it was amazing to be a part of this.” –Camper’s Creative Leader, Achilles Ion Gabriel

“The future shines through these creations. To reach the goals of circular economy, we need game-changers and example setters. North-Karelia and the young designers succeeded brilliantly.” –Postdoctoral Researcher of Aalto University, Linda Turunen


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Jonna Ekroos

Communication Strategist, Partner


The Helsinki Central railway station
Stadin sydän

Starting point
The Central railway station is not only a national treasure, an iconic landmark and a several times as the most beautiful railway station awarded architectural gem, but also by far the busiest building and business location of Finland. Every Finn knows the Central railway station of Helsinki, and the stone men guarding the main entrance.

As we started our partnership, this well-known and emotive brand didn’t have a clear direction nor a holistic plan to promote sustainability. It had maintained its position through conscientious care and keeping up with the times but was also full of potential for more – from the viewpoint of tourists, residents, owners, and the urban culture of Helsinki as a whole.

In today’s online world, which is vital for the service experience, the Central railway station relied almost entirely on visitors’ stories and mentions on travel sites or articles. It had no website nor active social media channels.

Our brand film for the Central railway station and its partners articulates the station’s iconic position at the heart of our nation

Solution
To lead the Central railway station to its second century with the best condition of its existence, a development program was launched in the station’s Property Unit. But the planning, strategies, programs and visions can’t turn into decisions, changes, achievements and impact until the society is inspired to take part.

Because of its cultural and historical value, from the start we have involved stakeholders to the project in a large scale, for example Museovirasto, Helsinki City, architectural community and of course the customers of the Central railway station. Extensive stakeholder surveys and a materiality assessment were carried out as a base for the sustainability program. The program itself focuses not only on zero emission mobility but also on minimizing the Station’s own environmental and climate impact, creating an equal experience of safe space for all, increasing transparency, and promoting awareness of the building’s cultural and historical uniqueness. Channels for communication and dialogue have been used according to situation and need, from Power Point presentations to events and social media channels.

The online presence of the Central Railway Station has been built step by step. In addition to launching the service website and taking over the social media, attention has also been paid to the accuracy of the information on the service sites used by tourists.

The visual identity we have designed for the Central railway station is repeated in all marketing and communication

Results

According to the latest visitor survey, the image of the Central railway station has clearly moved to the right direction. The station is most appreciated for its architectural value and its new restaurants.

The website, päärautatieasema.fi, which has also won an award at the Finnish Web Awards, has in two years reached a position where it already serves more than 50,000 visitors a year.

On Instagram and Facebook, the Central railway station’s social media content reaches tens of thousands of people every month. In just a couple of years of its existence, the Central railway station’s social media accounts have already gathered a highly engaged following group of thousands of people.


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Perttu Kouvalainen

CEO, Partner


Abloy
Sustainable Future, Built on Trust

Starting point

It’s not too much to say that ABLOY brand is a part of being Finnish. Almost everyone from Hanko to Nuorgam has an ABLOY key in their pocket and that has been the case for many decades. The kids in 80’s and 90’s wearing a traditional ABLOY Classic neckband even produced a new Finnish word: key children. The well-established position has been confirmed with Abloy’s skill to renew themselves and be ahead of their time when it comes to digital solutions, which increase accessibility ja controllability. Therefore, it’s only natural, that year after year ABLOY keeps their top ranked place of the most respected brands in Finland; they have had the second place in 2022 and 2023.

Known as the pathfinder of safety and locking, ABLOY has also been a forerunner in social and economic sustainability. For several decades, they have done fruitful work for staff’s well-being and safety. It is visible in Ikämestariohjelma (Agemaster program), which is a model example of work-life balance and job comfort. A large development project to reach ISO 14001 -economy certificate started in 1997. The factory of Joensuu has been free of landfill waste from the year 2017, the district heating has been carbon-neutral and the electricity has been 100% from renewable sources all the way from 2013. As a part of ASSA ABLOY group, controlling and reporting the supply chain has been systematically developed more sustainable.

For many, the meritorious work came as a surprise. Therefore, Abloy’s sustainability work needed a clarifying and put-together core thought, and a tight bond to ABLOY brand – a clear story of what sustainability means to Abloy, its customers and stakeholders, and easily readable communication about the freshly done carbon roadmap and carbon footprint calculation.

Solution

The effects of Abloy’s work and commitment to sustainability were given the spotlight they deserved. The goals, strategies and daily choices were talked about proudly and with a recognizable visuality. Still, sustainability must not only be viewed on its own but – such as with their operations – as a natural part of every subject.

The first output were the essential information on the website, online-events’ visual elements and the supporting material for communication. Step by step the theme will integrate more to the ABLOY brand and become a natural part of the communications inside and outside.

Results

The talk of put-together vision and visualized communication was clearly needed in the organization – the update had a great reception in Finland and globally. Abloy’s staff even made content of it to their own social media accounts. In addition, Abloy’s marketing team has received requests for several kinds of materials after the publication.


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Timo Kupiainen

Impact Strategist, B Leader


Pohjois-Karjalan Osuuskauppa
Heittäytyjille

Starting point

The Northern Karelia Cooperative Society (in Finnish: Pohjois-Karjalan Osuuskauppa or PKO) is a cooperative owned by its over 100,000 members. As their strategy’s mission they have chosen to increase the vitality of the province and meets their members’ needs.

The operations of PKO are wide ranged. Tourism and catering trade forms its own entity of restaurants, night clubs, meeting services and holiday destinations. In Northern Karelia, Tourism and catering trade (In Finnish: Matkailu- ja ravitsemiskauppa or MaRa) employs almost 500 people, who provide experiences to 10,000 customers daily.

In MaRa, there has been a shortage of labour, which was only made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. This was also reflected in the voluntary turnover rate, which rose to over 45 percent.

The traditional recruiting made by S-group was not enough, especially when according to the strategy, the staffing requirements will increase with investments of more than 60 million euros in the coming years.

A Culture Handbook of MaRa was made available online for all

Solution

It was decided to invest in improving the employer image – in terms of retention and internal development, recruitment and need of talents. In spring 2022, the project launched with building employee understanding through surveys, workshops and interviews.

The key questions to think were the following: experiencing the meaningfulness of work, crystallizing the employer promise, and a real understanding of what development actions can have the greatest positive impact. The main point was to involve the whole work community and test ideas extensively, actively and at different stages.

AT THE CENTER OF THE WORK WAS TO “THROW ONESELF IN”, WHICH WAS DESCRIBED IN THE FOLLOWING WAY:

“Close your eyes and think, when was the last time you threw yourself into your work. According to a survey, over half of our employees do it daily. We work in a field, where to “throw oneself in” is the key to an unforgettable service experience. The center of our community is formed by ambitious, different and their vulnerability accepting people, whose input cannot be replaced by robots. Through appreciation and open discussion, we create a safe environment where employees feel comfortable taking on work challenges. As the world is changing, we believe that we need other humans even more. We are needed now and in the future.”

ANTTI VARIS, HEAD OF TOURISM AND CATERING TRADE (MaRa)
A recruitment concept which forms a unified brand, was created for MaRa

Results 

A constantly developed and public Culture Handbook, which can be used while managing the operation culture and promoting recruitments

An employer’s promise, which is based on the goals of business strategy and the real competitive advantages of the employer

A recruitment concept for MaRa, which we got to test in 2022 – already more applications to open spots and with a better quality

The success of Koli’s recruitment – over 50 new employees were hired quickly to a new hotel opening in summer 2023

An internal coaching program, which specifies to the identified areas of development. The first measured results will be available in a year


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Jonna Ekroos

Communication Strategist, Partner


Mediateko
Better Friday

Starting point
Advertising makes a huge difference in the changing world. It affects us daily through various channels and acts as a crucial factor considering our chances to move towards more sustainable life and consuming culture. We stand by this fact as we analyzed Mediateko’s impact and their chances to have the biggest impact. For Mediateko’s board the choice was clear, even though it raised more questions than answers: the power is to be used to strengthen the good and to raise the better choices over the unsustainable ones.

We faced the first challenge quickly. The yearly growing Black Friday phenomenon is crucial marketing-wise also for Mediateko, as the advertisers search for ways to lure people with their sales. In the middle of the sustainable crisis, this hysteric consuming event feels as dark as its name. But Mediateko has always walked its own paths. They decided to beat the challenge, instead of forgetting about it.

The multi-channel implementation of the concept ensured the success of marketing

Solution
Instead of darkening the digital screens, the strengths of Black Friday were decided to be used for a better cause. And now that we shake the structures, let’s really shake them up. A striking offer image and eye-catching discounts were joined by a halo and a heading which questioned the hypocrisy of the whole concept. Every sold campaign of the Better Friday concept came with 10 % of more visibility for good companies. Either it was received by the advertiser themselves, or by one of the chosen companies: POW, Hope or SEY. This new and creative idea was not to be a temporary action, but the support for good companies was incorporated into Mediateko’s business.

Mediateko’s own national network played a crucial role during the campaign

Results
To launch the new era on the good side with the customers was also a success for the outcome too. Comparing to last year’s record-breaking campaign, the sales doubled, and the good companies received a great media visibility!

This journey which started with a great sprint, continues to pursue a more sustainable future with holistic improvement. A few development projects have already been started: creating new business models that support good companies, improving staff’s wellbeing as well as job satisfaction and renewing the operations of the whole outdoor advertising. As the forever pursuing of good continues, the next goal is ambitiously set to receive the B Corp certificate.


SALES GROWTH COMPARED TO PREVIOUS YEAR
+57%

GROWTH OF WEEKLY SALES
+350%

THE VALUE OF ADVERTISING VISIBILITY EARNED FOR THE GOOD-WILLING COMPANIES OVER
50 000 €

“FABRIK CHALLENGED US AND WE CREATED A CONCEPT WHICH DEVIATED FROM THE MAINSTREAM. WE REALLY DID BREAK THE BANK. ALONGSIDE THE RECORDSALES, OUR CUSTOMERS FOUND THE CAMPAIGN IMPORTANT, OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE HAD MORE TO TELL ABOUT AND WITH OUR CLIENTS WE CREATED A HUGE POSITIVE IMPACT. “

Jukka Pelkonen, Commercial Director, MEDIATEKO

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Ville Timonen

Creative Director, Partner


Power Finland RePOWER

Starting point

According to Statistics Finland, over 4,5 million finnish people preserve used electronics in their homes. Outdated electronics are seen as waste, even though the products contain valuable natural resources. The circular economy service RePOWER of Power Finland encourages consumers to bring them used but usable electronics to be recycled by paying a refund.

Solution

As a part of our continuous partnership a marketing communication concept and a yearly plan were created for the RePOWER service. As the goal is to increase the value of electronic waste, the main message of the RePOWER service was formulated as: Don’t store your old devices. If it’s electronics, we’ll pay for it.

One of the year 2023 achievements was the E-Waste Day event which took place in the 14th and the 15th of November. The event challenged the concept of electronic waste.

Results


ELECTRONIC DEVICES RECYCLED IN TWO DAYS
4 000 PCS

SERVICE USAGE COMPARED TO A NORMAL WEEKEND
10 X AMOUNT

EVENT PAGE VISITORS IN TWO DAYS
10 000

THE BIGGEST REFUND FOR ONE CUSTOMER
712 €

The E-Waste Day campaign

raised awareness and activated consumers in the front page of Helsingin Sanomat and in social media, stores and deserved media. During the E-Waste Day weekend almost 4000 electronic devices were recycled. Compared to a normal weekend, more than ten times the amount of refunds were paid. In the biggest stores, the recycling service was used hundreds of times.

In line with the campaign’s message, one lucky customer turned their waste into gold, as they won a 600 euros golden bullion made of electronic waste. The campaign was on display in 3 publications of earned media.

The continuous partnership

The cornerstone of the partnership is the communication strategy created by Fabrik, which makes communication goal-oriented and measurable. Service design methods were used to identify the development points of the RePOWER service. The next step is to extend our cooperation to the Employer Image project to develop and manage corporate culture, employee experience and employer image.

Interested in making sustainability a credible part of your business?


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Jonna Ekroos

Communication Strategist, Partner