Läpinävyksi

Läpinävyksi is a Finnish word that translates literally as “to become transparent” or “to be made transparent.” It is a verb form derived from the noun läpinäkyvyys (“transparency”) and is used both in everyday speech and in formal contexts to describe the process of revealing hidden information, making processes more open, or making a physical object see-through. The term acquired particular prominence in Finnish politics and public administration in the 2010s, when a series of reforms aimed at increasing governmental clarity were collectively referred to as the Läpinävyksi movement. These reforms included the introduction of digital data portals, open budgeting initiatives, and stricter disclosure laws for public officials.

In environmental science, läpinävyksi can describe techniques that render pollutants invisible for monitoring purposes. For instance, certain biodegradable coatings for plastic waste are said to become läpinävyksi when they break down, eliminating visual waste traces.

The word is also commonly employed in marketing to describe products that are designed to be visually transparent or to allow consumers to see the manufacturing process behind a brand. Because of its broad applicability, läpinävyksi is taught in Finnish high‑school courses on civic education, media literacy, and environmental studies. The concept has influenced the naming of several non‑profit organizations, such as Läpinävyksen Päättely (Transparency Advocacy), which promotes transparency in the private sector.