Water is a key production factor in pulp and paper manufacturing, where it is used both as process water and for cooling. Although the Finnish forest industry is often perceived as water-intensive, modern production is in fact highly water-efficient.
Closed water loops and water reuse are at the core of improved water efficiency. Water is circulated within the production process wherever its quality meets the requirements, reducing the need for fresh water. Used water is treated and reused, allowing the same litre of water to circulate within a mill up to 15 times before leaving the process.
Improving water efficiency makes sense from both an environmental and a business perspective. Over the past five years, the Finnish forest industry has invested more than EUR 293 million in water protection and wastewater treatment.
As a result of long-term development work, the sector has succeeded in reducing both the specific volume of wastewater and nutrient loads. This demonstrates continuous improvement in water management and the achievement of tangible environmental benefits.
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