The starting point in environmental work is the comprehensive identification of how operations affect the environment as well as of ways with which to reduce negative impacts.
Growing wood absorbs atmospheric carbon. Using wood and other renewable raw materials in a sustainable manner can help reduce utilisation of non-renewable natural resources and mitigate climate change.
Biodiversity is an important issue
In wood procurement the industry also takes into account the other values of forests, such as their recreational uses and the protection of biodiversity. In spite of Finland's effective commercial use of wood, the degree of forest conservation is the highest in the world.
Recycle, reuse and produce renewable energy
The forest industry uses efficiently its valuable raw material. Process by-products are utilised either as raw material or as an energy source. Paper and wood products can be reused and recycled several times. At the end of their lifecycle, they can be used as renewable energy.
The forest industry of Finland manufactures wood and paper products for 150 million people as well as produces 70% of Finland’s renewable energy in conjunction with its production processes.
The industry accounts for about 30% of Finland’s total electricity consumption but at the same time they satisfy over 40% of their electricity needs with their own factory power plants. The majority of electricity purchases are supplied with low-emission hydropower or nuclear power. The forest industry accounts for about 7% of Finland’s total carbon dioxide emissions.
Large production, little emissions
Air emissions and discharges into water systems have been reduced through investments into clean technology. Production creates only a limited amount of hazardous waste. Almost all waste can be reused in other industrial processes or as renewable energy. The industry is developing resource-efficient production processes to enhance material efficiency and reduce water usage.
Limit the effects of transportation
The wood processing industry is a major user of road and rail transports. A substantial part of emissions is caused by the transport of raw materials and products. Efficient logistics solutions have helped reduce transport emissions. Production facilities are located all around the country which has, over the decades, promoted the development of Finnish infrastructure, such as the road and rail network.