Ponsse

Ecobio helps Ponsse meet chemical legislation and safety requirements

Ecobio helps Ponsse meet chemical legislation and safety requirements. 

Ponsse, a publicly listed Finnish company, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of forest machines. In addition to the machines, Ponsse provides comprehensive maintenance services, including chemical products used in forestry equipment. 

Ponsse began working with Ecobio in the spring of 2023 in response to tightening chemical regulations. 

“Previously, we prepared and translated safety data sheets and labels for our chemical products ourselves. After legal changes, additional documentation became necessary beyond our internal expertise. We particularly needed help with products marketed abroad,” says Tiina Lavinen, Environmental Specialist at Ponsse, describing the start of the collaboration. 

By law, Ponsse must submit a poison centre notification for each country where its chemical products are sold. These notifications must include hazard data and classifications. 

“The information must be correct so that local poison centres can advise in the event of an accident or chemical exposure,” explains Anne Kallioinen, Ecobio’s Lead Consultant and Head of the Chemicals Team. 

Expanding chemical products into new markets requires specialized knowledge in chemistry, documentation, and the laws, systems, and digital platforms necessary for ensuring compliance. Since this deep chemical regulatory knowledge was unavailable internally, Ponsse selected Ecobio as its expert partner. 

Compliance with Chemical Legislation Is a Matter of Safety 

In practice, Ecobio supports Ponsse on a weekly basis with various tasks. In addition to the poison centre submissions and documentation, Ecobio’s team reviews the safety data sheets content to ensure no ambiguities or deficiencies. They also verify that hazard labels on packaging comply with applicable regulations. 

“A direct translation is not enough. Different countries have different threshold values, which must be considered in all the texts,” notes Matti Tenhunen, Product Manager for Forestry Equipment Accessories at Ponsse. 

Complying with the chemical legislation of each destination country is essential. When products and labels meet all requirements, end users can use them safely. 

“We receive safety data sheets from our suppliers and use them to create labels. Together with Ecobio, we ensure the labels are correct,” Tenhunen summarizes.

Collaboration Is a Learning Experience 

The partnership has evolved continuously to improve working methods. Because collaboration between Ponsse and Ecobio is close, communication must be smooth, and everyone should feel that the cooperation is meaningful. 

“We have a quarterly review to assess if there’s anything we should improve. We also share our near-term plans so the Ecobio team can prepare,” explains Mikko Eskelinen, Spare Part Manager at Ponsse, who oversees the overall collaboration. 

The collaboration will continue. Ponsse appreciates that Ecobio can also support new developments. Tenhunen values Ecobio’s proactive approach to anticipating various needs. 

Ponsse also considers environmental impacts when developing its product range. This approach influences the selection of chemicals in its branded offerings. 

“We’re shifting to bio-based greases and oils and phasing out aerosols, which are burdensome to manage under chemical legislation,” Eskelinen says. 

“With Ecobio’s support, we’ve also deepened our understanding of the requirements and how to meet them. We’re guided and taught to act correctly, which gives us a sense of security and confidence,” Lavinen adds. 

“We know our customers and market needs, and Ecobio helps us fulfil legal and safety requirements. With their support, we at Ponsse can focus on serving our customers.”