Responsibility
We operate responsibly and take accountability for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Kuvaverkko is a carbon-neutral school photography company. We actively make greener choices because we care about the future of those we photograph. That’s why environmental friendliness and sustainable development guide all our operations. Kuvaverkko considers environmental aspects as comprehensively as possible in its activities and shares the importance of these issues with its customers. Kuvaverkko’s environmental policy covers all aspects of the company’s operations.
The EcoCompass environmental certificate
Kuvaverkko was the first photography studio to be receive the EcoCompass environmental certificate in 2015. EcoCompass is an environmental management system that helps us identify the environmental impacts of our business and develop our operations from a sustainability perspective. The EcoCompass environmental management system is audited every three years.
- We consider environmental perspectives and impacts in the design of our business operations.
- We aim to enhance the environmental awareness and practices of our customers and partners.
- We prioritize partners and stakeholders who align with our environmental policy and incorporate environmental responsibility into their business strategies.
- All photographic paper, paper sheets and paper products we use are FSC-certified or hold a PEFC certificate.
Additionally, we regularly ensure compliance with current environmental legislation and strive to anticipate legislative developments. We are constantly improving our production processes and develop more efficient working methods to minimize material waste. We sort and recycle waste effectively.
Chemical-free Photo Production
Kuvaverkko has been producing photos without chemicals since 2019, becoming the first photography company in Finland to do so. Photos are developed on photographic paper using the environmentally friendly HP Indigo production device, eliminating the need for chemicals typically used in traditional photo processing, which generate hazardous waste. Since the pigment is transferred directly onto the photographic paper, the production process does not produce hazardous waste or carbon dioxide emissions.
The surface of the photographic paper does not require the light gray silver halide coating, ensuring that the white areas of the image appear pure white. This chemical-free process also results in brighter and sharper images. An independent research institute, Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR), has tested the durability of photos produced with HP Indigo, granting them a 200-year lifespan guarantee. Additionally, the HP Indigo device is constructed with sustainable components that can be recycled after the end of their lifecycle.
Comprehensive Environmental Consideration – Kuvaverkko’s Forest is Growing
We strive to do good for the environment and actively seek the most environmentally friendly options in our operations. Our reduced carbon footprint is regularly calculated by professionals, and we take active steps to decrease it further. For example, we have collaborated with our subcontractors to develop more efficient working methods, which have reduced material waste in photo production and lowered electricity consumption.
Since we photograph children and young people across Finland, it is only natural that we also plant forests here. Forests and afforestation are among the best ways to combat climate change and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Together with the Finnish company Puuni Oy, we reforest unused lands in various municipalities. Reforestation creates new habitats and ecosystems that enhance the well-being of people, animals, and plants. Caring for forests also helps preserve biodiversity. Carbon sinks have already been established in locations such as Lempäälä (2021) and Mikkeli (2022, 2023 and 2024).
Kuvaverkko’s photographs last for over 200 years — just like the forests we plant. We want childhood and youth memories, as well as nature, to remain as beautiful as possible. Watch the video to see how our CEO, Petri, did during the tree-planting efforts.
Social and Economic Responsibility
The photography studios within the Kuvaverkko network capture the childhood and youth of hundreds of thousands of individuals each year, along with their friends and groups, across Finland. Our photography service has been awarded the Key Flag symbol as a mark of being a domestically produced and employment-generating service.
Kuvaverkko’s photography operations employ over 100 local professional photographers throughout Finland. In addition, the production of Kuvaverkko’s photos employs nearly 60 people each autumn. Every year, several dozen seasonal workers contribute to Kuvaverkko’s photo production and customer service. For many young people, this has been their gateway to working life, and for many, their careers have continued with permanent positions.
Kuvaverkko is committed to acting responsibly toward both its employees and the environment. Employee well-being is a top priority: everyone is valued and treated equally, regardless of gender, age, or ethnic background. Our workplace is accessible, and occupational safety requirements are reviewed regularly. We have been certified as a Great Place to Work, reflecting a positive employee experience, and have also been ranked among the top 50 companies on Finland’s Best Workplaces list in 2024.
To promote the well-being of children and youth, we annually support the domestic work of Save the Children Finland.
