Rooted in the forest’s ecocycle
Holmen Board and Paper is part of the Holmen Group, a company whose entire business is grounded in the natural ecocycle of the forest. From renewable raw material, we create everything from construction timber to innovative paper and paperboard for print and packaging. Through sustainable processes, we have significantly reduced fossil carbon dioxide emissions from our mills over the years and continue to work towards further improvements.
The forest is a magical place
We have been caring for and managing our forests for over 400 years, and we have every intention of continuing to do so. Forest stewardship is vital today, and it may prove even more essential in the future.
The forest is not only a remarkable source of renewable raw material, it is also home to countless plants and animals, and of course, it plays a vital role in our own lives as humans.
That is why long-term planning and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. More than 20 per cent of Holmen’s total forest land is set aside for nature conservation. We also actively work to protect biodiversity and ensure that the forest continues to thrive for generations to come.
Reducing the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere
Holmen has a positive climate footprint. Our forests grow more in volume than we harvest each year. In 2023 alone, the forest uptake increased by 1.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. In addition, carbon is stored in our timber, paper, and paperboard products. After accounting for emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3 upstream), our business still results in a direct net increase in carbon storage.
Even recovered paper grows in the forest
Many draw a distinction between paper, paperboard, and recovered material, forgetting that they all come from the same fibre. When used for the first time, it is fresh fibre. When recycled, it becomes recovered fibre.
We believe in recycling, but wood fibre can only be reused five to seven times before it becomes too short and weak. The recycling system, therefore, constantly needs an addition of fresh fibre from sustainably managed forests.
Energy efficiency high on the agenda
Our mills in Hallsta, Braviken, Iggesund, and Workington maintain a strong focus on improving energy efficiency and environmental performance.
Hallsta recovers surplus steam from the paper machines and heat from wastewater, which means exhaust gases and carbon dioxide are no longer released from the chimneys.
Braviken also recovers large amounts of heat, with around 60 per cent of its thermal energy needs met using recovered steam. This energy recovery reduces the need to burn oil, cutting oil consumption at the mill by 80 per cent since 2005.
Fossil-free energy in production
Iggesund Mill generates almost all of its own heat and electricity from bioenergy. A modern recovery boiler enables the mill to operate on fossil-free energy while also supplying district heating to the local community.
Workington Mill is fully powered by bioenergy, making it carbon neutral. Its biomass boiler supplies 100 per cent fossil-free, carbon-free energy for the production of premium folding boxboard.
Across all sites, the continuous improvement of energy systems and processes helps us further reduce emissions and strengthen our contribution to a fossil-free future.
Certifications that guarantee peace of mind
Our paper and paperboards are made using fresh fibre from sustainably managed forests. Within the Holmen Group, we follow globally recognised standards for forest management, energy, quality, and environmental management. Holmen’s products are also certified, giving our customers the assurance of responsible production from forest to finished product.
Sustainable transports
Being close to our customers and ports allows us to transport products efficiently by sea and rail. Every year, we reduce transport emissions by reducing road miles and working with our customers on smart logistics solutions.
A natural part of an ecocycle
For us, it is important to take care of our growing forests and manage our raw materials and ecosystems efficiently. We want to preserve the added value of products for as long as possible, not letting anything go to waste.
Circularity is key, and we are proud to say that almost 100 per cent of all by-products and waste from Holmen’s activities are already processed and repurposed. Our production facilities recycle both chemicals and energy. Our raw material is renewable, and our products eventually become raw material again in the recovered paper and board process. When the fibres have reached the end of their life, they become biofuel. All this makes Holmen a natural part of a bio-based circular economy.