The forest industry continues its long-term sustainability work – the progress report shows positive results
The forest industry has continued its long-term sustainability work and has now published the third progress report on the forest industry’s sustainability commitments. This report presents the industry’s key achievements in the areas of social, economic and environmental responsibility. For example, the certification rate of wood is approaching 90 per cent, and the share of renewable energy in the forest industry’s energy production has already crossed that threshold.
The Finnish forest industriy is committed to promoting sustainability in all areas of its operations. The forest industry’s first joint sustainability commitments were published in 2012, and they were expanded to include social and economic responsibility more extensively in 2018. At the same time, the targets have been made more ambitious and the commitments are guiding the industry in an even more sustainable direction.
“For us, sustainability does not mean only goals on paper but concrete actions and results that manifest in our daily operations,” says Paula Lehtomäki, Director General of Finnish Forest Industries Federation. “Well-managed sustainability and responsibility issues are an important competitive factor for the forest industry. Success in sustainability work requires long-term efforts at every stage of the entire value chain.”
Concrete results through sustainability commitments
There are seventeen commitments in total, and they are divided into six themes, covering sustainable economy and well-being, the principles of being a responsible employer, promotion of sustainable use and biodiversity of forests, climate change mitigation, sustainable production and circular economy, and cooperation with stakeholders. The most recent progress report shows that the industry’s sustainability efforts are progressing in line with the goals.
Positive developments have taken place in areas such as the sustainable use of forests and biodiversity. In 2023, the certification rate for wood and fibre used in Finland was 87 per cent. In 2021, the corresponding figure was 84 per cent. In two years, there has been significant progress towards the certification target of 90 per cent.
The forest industry has carried out active measures to promote biodiversity in forests. The recent biodiversity roadmap of the wood processing industry shows, based on scientific evidence, that long-term efforts for biodiversity produce results. For example, the quantity of decaying wood as well as large and broad-leaved trees has increased. All of these are important for ensuring biodiversity. In addition, the coverage of many subshrubs has increased.
Significant progress has also been made in renewable energy and the circular economy. For example, renewable energy accounts for more than 90 per cent of the forest industry’s energy production. In 2023, 95 per cent of the side streams generated in mill processes were utilised either as material or in the production of renewable energy.
“Our sustainability work is not complete, but we have taken significant steps towards a more sustainable future,” Lehtomäki adds.
