Peikko explores circular business models for reusable composite beams
23.07.2026
Figure: Peikko
Reusing structural components is considered a key step towards a more circular construction industry. As part of the European Pioneer program, Peikko collaborated with Laurea University of Applied Sciences to explore how its Deltabeam Green Reuse concept could support the multiple reuse of composite beams across different building lifecycles. The project focused on both technical and business aspects of circular construction.
Developing concepts for structural reuse
According to Peikko, composite beams are typically melted down after a building reaches the end of its life, although reuse could preserve significantly more of the product’s original value. With Deltabeam Green Reuse, the company is exploring a concept in which beams could be recovered, inspected, re-certified and reused in new construction projects.
Besides engineering challenges, the concept also addresses material tracking, logistics, ownership models and economic incentives needed to make structural reuse viable on a larger scale.
Students contribute new perspectives
In April 2026, Peikko participated in the Pioneer intensive week as one of the industry partners. More than 120 students from universities in Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France and Slovakia worked on the question of how Deltabeam Green Reuse could encourage buying behaviour as a circular product that retains value across several building lifecycles.
The teams explored concepts including buyback models with financial incentives, digital material passports and tracking platforms, product-as-a-service ownership models and modular systems designed for disassembly. Rather than developing ready-made strategies, the project aimed to generate new ideas and perspectives for future circular business models.
“This gives us an idea of a direction to head,” said Diego Ferrer, Product Manager, Deltabeam and Composite Frames at Peikko Group.
Industry and academia working together
The collaboration was carried out within Laurea University of Applied Sciences’ Learning by Developing model, which allows students to work directly with companies on real business challenges.
The Pioneer program brings together universities from Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France and Slovakia to develop new approaches for a more sustainable built environment.
CONTACT:
Peikko Group Corporation
P.O. Box 104
FI-15101 Lahti/Finland
