The Kaari® Story

From spark to purpose – a new beginning.

Kaari® is a Finnish brand born from a passion for creating high-quality, forward-thinking products for people who value sustainability, functionality, and design.

Where It All Began

The Kaari® journey started in 2017 with two friends and a shared idea: to create a better, more sustainable alternative to traditional lighters. We realized that while the world was rapidly digitalizing, people still needed fire — for lighting candles, fireplaces, grills, saunas, and camping stoves.

The problem? Most lighters were single-use, unreliable in harsh weather, and powered by gas or fuel — inconvenient to refill and harmful to the environment. There had to be a better solution.

products, and we launched our new-generation plasma lighters in the summer of 2019. We improved them with our customers in mind and added some practical and durable features.

Kaari has proven the appeal and quality of our plasma lighters. Our brand has already made a significant impact in markets such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Sweden, and the Baltic countries.

Finding a Smarter Flame

We tested countless lighter types and technologies. Plasmatechnology stood out — safe, flame-free, weatherproof, and fully rechargeable. With no harmful fuels or disposable parts, a Kaari® lighter could be used for years and recharged just like a smartphone.

It was clear: this technology could help reduce waste, improve safety, and bring convenience to daily life — whether indoors or outdoors, at home or on the trail.

The Setback That Changed Everything

For a time, everything moved forward — Kaari® grew steadily, and by 2020 we had sold over 100,000 units. But then life threw us a curveball: our founder Jani Tuominen fell seriously ill, and the business nearly collapsed. Orders stopped, momentum faded, and the future of Kaari® hung by a thread.

That’s when Jani’s wife, Laura, stepped in — first to support, then to rebuild. With the help of her insight, strength, and vision, Kaari® was given a second chance.

A New Era

Today, Kaari® is powered by the shared vision of Jani and Laura — a couple determined to make fire smarter, safer, and more sustainable. Our product lineup now includes thoughtfully designed plasma lighters for home, adventure, gifting, and brand collaborations.

We’ve sold over 350,000 lighters, and built a community of loyal users. And we’re just getting started.

More Than a Spark

Kaari® stands for:

  • Finnish design that combines beauty with function

  • Environmentally responsible choices that reduce waste

  • Long-lasting, rechargeable tools that feel good to use and give

Whether you’re lighting a candle on a dark winter morning or a fire on a remote island, we want to be there — quietly reliable, stylishly present, and ready for the moment.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Let’s keep writing the story together.

– Jani & Laura Tuominen
Founders, Kaari®