Holmen was awarded the Drottning Kristinapriset [Queen Kristina Award] during a grand ceremony at the Swedish Embassy in Madrid on Thursday. The Kings of Sweden and Spain presented the award.

"We're proud of this award and see it as proof that we've fulfilled our ambition of combining efficient production with proactive and sustainable environmental consideration," says Arne Wallin, head of the Holmen Paper business area, who received the award from King Juan Carlos I.

This was the fourth time that the Drottning Kristinapriset was awarded by the Swedish-Spanish chamber of commerce in Madrid. Holmen won the award thanks to "its work on environmental and climate issues and promotion of relationships between Sweden and Spain."

Holmen's mill in Madrid produces newsprint and coated magazine paper based on 100 per cent recycled paper and therefore plays an important part in paper recycling in Spain. In total, 85 per cent of Madrid's recycled paper is used by Holmen Paper Madrid.

Furthermore, in 2010 all paper at the Madrid mill will be made using recycled water, making it a reference facility for the entire industry. At the mill, the plant that produces electricity and steam is currently being expanded and the new larger facility is scheduled to open in November 2009.

Holmen is a forestry group that produces and sells printing paper, paperboard and sawn timber. The Group also owns forest and power resources. Holmen is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year.

The Drottning Kristinapriset award was established in 2003 to highlight work that has strengthened economic and cultural ties between Sweden and Spain. Previous Swedish recipients of the award include Hennes & Mauritz, IKEA and the author Henning Mankell. The award consists of a bronze bust of Queen Kristina.

Please visit www.holmen.com for pictures. You will find these in Holmen Image bank under Press.

Caption 1: Arne Wallin, head of Holmen Paper, received the award from King Juan Carlos I (to the left). Photo: Alejandro Cid-Fuentes

Caption 2: Holmen received the Drottning Kristinapriset award during a ceremony at the Swedish Embassy on Thursday. From right King Carl XVI Gustaf, King Juan Carlos I, Lena Treschow Torell, chairman of IVA (Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences), Miguel Torres, CEO Bodega Torres (who also was rewarded), Swedish ambassador Anders Rönquist and Arne Wallin, head of Holmen Paper. Photo: Alejandro Cid-Fuentes

For further information please contact:
Jonas Lindell, Communications Manager, Holmen Paper, tel. +46 (0)11 236211
Ingela Carlsson, Public Relations Director, Holmen, tel. +46 702 12 97 12