When Hannu Virtanen first arrived in the Philippines in the late 1990s, he didn’t expect to stay. But something about the country pulled him in — the people, the climate, the energy. Today, more than two decades later, he’s still here. And through his company, Arctic Forest Products Inc., he’s doing more than selling timber. He’s introducing sustainable forestry and building practices that could reshape how we think about wood — and the way we build.
In Finland, Sustainability Starts Young
“Sustainability isn’t something we have to learn in Finland,” Virtanen says with a smile. “It’s just how we grow up.”
He’s not exaggerating. In Finland, Everyman’s Right is protected by law. It allows anyone to walk, camp, or forage in the forest — even if it’s privately owned. It’s a system built on trust and mutual respect.
“Over 65% of Finnish forests are private, but that doesn’t stop anyone from entering,” Virtanen explains. “You can pick berries, go hiking, even pitch a tent — as long as you leave no damage behind.”
This deep respect for nature runs through Finland’s forestry laws. For every tree cut, ten more must be planted. It’s simple, but it works. The forests thrive — and so do the communities that depend on them.
A Different Story in the Philippines
Things are more complicated here. In the Philippines, deforestation has led to strict logging bans. While these protect what’s left, they don’t address the long-term solution: sustainable forest management.
“There’s progress,” Virtanen says. “There’s an effort to build a certification system, but it takes time.”
In Finland, every piece of timber is certified. You can trace it all the way back to the tree it came from. That’s still rare in the Philippines, where much of the market remains uncertified and informal.
At Arctic Forest Products, Virtanen insists on keeping the Finnish standard. “Everything we bring in is certified,” he says. “We know exactly where each plank came from. That’s the only way to do it right.”
From Saunas to Something Bigger
Virtanen didn’t start out in timber. After leaving Finland, he spent a few years in Hong Kong working in mining. When his company wanted to move him again, he and his wife made a decision: they’d settle in the Philippines and carve out something new.
They began with a natural idea — saunas.
“In Finland, almost every home has one,” he laughs. “We have nearly 3 million saunas for just 5.6 million people. Everyone knows how to build one — even my mother!”
The demand was there. Hotels, spas, and wellness clubs loved the idea. But by 2008, clients began asking for more — decking, cladding, wall panels. High-quality, beautiful wood.
So Virtanen pivoted. He sold his shares in the sauna business and launched Arctic Forest Products.
Built for the Tropics
What sets Arctic’s timber apart is how it’s prepared. The wood is pressure-treated in Finland before it even arrives in the Philippines. That means it’s already protected against pests, moisture, and humidity — perfect for tropical weather.
“We also add a special stain,” Virtanen says. “It repels water and blocks UV rays. It lasts longer, especially outdoors.”
The company also uses hidden fasteners and custom profiles. That means no visible screws or nails. Just clean lines and a polished finish — ideal for decks, facades, and elegant spaces.
Arctic also offers heat-treated timber, which goes through high-temperature processing to make it more stable and resistant to decay.
A Simpol Collaboration: Crafting a Kitchen That Works
One standout project? The new Simpol test kitchen — where function meets heart.
When Chef Tatung and the Simpol team dreamed up a new kitchen space, they didn’t just want it to look good. It had to feel good — warm, welcoming, and practical. A place where creativity could flow, and every ingredient had a home.
That’s where Arctic Forest Products came in.
“We used their timber not only for aesthetic warmth,” Chef Tatung shared, “but because we needed a space that could handle daily cooking, filming, and gatherings — all at once.”
The result? A kitchen built with pressure-treated Finnish wood that blends organic beauty with contemporary design. Clean lines, natural tones, and solid craftsmanship brought the space to life — while hidden fasteners and durable finishes ensured it could stand up to heat, spills, and time.
More than just a kitchen, it became a creative hub — and a testament to what thoughtful materials can do.
“It’s not just a kitchen,” Virtanen says. “It’s a showcase of how good woodwork can make a space feel alive.”
Not Just Selling Timber — Solving Problems
Getting Finnish timber all the way to the Philippines isn’t easy. The supply chain is long, and delays are common. But Virtanen stays focused.
“The biggest challenge is inventory,” he admits. “We have to plan carefully to avoid shortages.”
Like many businesses, Arctic faced tough years in 2022 and 2023. But things are looking up. “We’re starting to recover. The demand is coming back,” he says.
Through it all, Virtanen stays committed to one goal: to be the go-to source for high-quality, sustainable wood in the Philippines.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When asked what advice he’d give to those starting a sustainable business, especially in the Philippines, Virtanen doesn’t hesitate:
- Find your niche.
“You can’t serve everyone. Focus on doing one thing well.” - Listen to your clients.
“Really listen. Don’t just sell — solve their problems.” - Build trust.
“If they don’t trust you, they won’t buy from you. Simple as that.”
He also believes in investing in people. “Trust your employees. Teach them. Grow with them. That’s how you build something that lasts.”
Different Background, Shared Goals
Virtanen admits that sometimes being foreign opens different doors. “People are curious. It helps, sometimes. But I always make sure my team is involved.”
At the end of the day, it’s not just about importing wood — it’s about building something better, together.
“I’ve made the Philippines my home. It’s not just where I work — it’s where I live. I want to help raise the standard, one project at a time.”
Want to learn more about Arctic Forest Products?
Visit arcticfp.com to explore their full range of sustainable wood products and architectural solutions.
