RAIKU: The Estonian company that created an environmentally viable alternative to bubble wrap

I love Estonian ingenuity, especially products that are committed to making a positive impact on the environment. The Estonian company RAIKU has done just that by producing 100% biodegradable, protective packaging using wood, a viable alternative to single use plastic packaging. RAIKU was founded in 2021 by Karl Pärtel and Rain Randsberg and already supplies several luxury goods manufacturers in France including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Moët & Chandon.

RAIKU's range not only uses a renewable resource, it is also biodegradable, recyclable and chemical-free.  Raiku's 100% natural packaging material is currently making waves around the world due to its great look, excellent shock absorption, and the lowest carbon footprint. RAIKU aims to revolutionise the innovative packaging industry and it looks like the company has a bright future ahead.

You can learn more about RAIKU from their website here.

Photo flashback: Tallinn 1941

Here is an old photograph taken on the corner of Pärnu maantee and Suur karja street in 1941. The image shows two men looking at an advertisement showcasing a magazine. At the top of the display it reads 'tellige' - subscribe!

''Free Winds'' - New online exhibition about Estonians refugees who fled Sweden in the 1940s

After World War Two, Estonian refugees living in Sweden didn't feel safe from the reach of the Soviet Union and made the decision to escape further afield by sailing across the Atlantic. Free Winds is a new online exhibition highlighting the extraordinary voyages of thousands of Estonians who secretly fled Sweden in the late 1940s. These brave people risked their lives and sailed in old, battered boats across the Atlantic Ocean to freedom. The Free Winds exhibition was created by The Vabamu Musuem of Occupations and Freedom in Tallinn and can be viewed here.

Estonia 6th in the World for Freedom of the Press

Estonia has improved its ranking in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index. Out of the 180 countries measured, Estonia has risen two places to sixth place with a score of 86.44. This is another great result for Estonia!

Estonian meteorologist among finalists in WMO photo competition

Estonian meteorologist Kairo Kitsik has taken many stunning images of Estonia's landscape over the years. His work has impressed the judges in the international photo competition organised by WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) and is now among the finalists. The public voting round of the competition is now open and you can vote for Kairo Kitsik on the WMO Facebook page. Voting ends on 21 October 2024.

Two of his works in the running are:

 

Title: Frosty beauties
Description: With fog and crisp temperatures, nature is sometimes covered with a wonderful frost that creates picturesque scenes. This photo was taken in Lääne-Viru County where temperatures drop down to -20°C . 

 

Title: It´s raining colours 

Description: In May 2024, we witnessed a very strong geomagnetic storm that that put out a mind-blowing northern lights display. This photo was taken in Lääne-Viru County.  

 

The winning photographs of the competition will feature in the World Meteorological Organisation 2025 Calendar and will be showcased on WMO’s social media channels and website. They will also feature prominently during the World Meteorological Day 2025 celebrations.

 

You can vote for Kairo Kitsak here.

Estonia has the best tax system in the world

For ten consecutive years Estonia has outperformed its peers to have the most competitive tax code in the OECD. According to the Tax Competitiveness Index 2023, Estonia's transparent and straightforward tax system attracts investments with no corporate income, capital, or property transfer taxes. A clear advantage of Estonia’s tax system is that companies and individuals alike, spend less time on tax compliance than they would in any other country in the OECD.

Today is International Translators Day!

September 30 is International Translators Day. Translators in Estonia produce work mainly into English and Russian, but when necessary they can also be done in German, Finnish, French, Ukrainian and even Estonian sign language. The below picture depicts St. Jeronymus whose life work was to translate the Bible into Latin.