Paper buyers are highly knowledgeable about sourcing, production and transport of paper, because they often have clear goals to reduce the climate impact. Let's look at sustainable forestry and why it matters for the choice of paper.
If you work in paper purchasing, you can take pride in the fact that the paper industry displays better sustainability performance than many other industries. The paper industry is a highly regulated sector, and this in itself leads to better performance in general compared to less regulated sectors, according to sustainability rating platform Ecovadis. They also underline that industries where the purchasing segment look at environmental impact from all levels across the value chain perform much better.
For relevant reporting on carbon emissions, you need to look not only at your own, but also at emissions generated by your supply base, Ecovadis says. This will help your company create effective GHG reduction actions and improve your own sustainability performance.
A circular approach and the responsible use of resources is an absolute must for sustainable paper and packaging industries. Read more about how we at Holmen work with our raw material in our book "Future-smart forests – our contribution to sustainable development".
1
Forests have a positive climate impact by absorbing carbon dioxide. As you may know already, we never cut down trees for the sole purpose of making paper. Paper is a by-product of sustainably managed forests and a part of an important circular system. And for every full-grown tree that is harvested, we plant at least three more in order to secure regeneration and continuous growth.
2
Biodiversity must be taken as seriously as the climate crisis. When we use the forest, we take into account the balance between different ecosystem functions. Since biodiversity is fundamental to human welfare it concerns every supply chain and every business. This is a principle behind common forest management certifications but also a solid obligation by The Swedish Forestry Act. The paper buyer drives the demand for different certifications together with the end consumer.
3
Managed forests are better for the climate than unmanaged forests. If the forests were not managed, they would build up a carbon reservoir only to be released again in the short term. One of the greatest climate benefits from the forest comes from its future replacement of fossil materials. Buildings made of wood instead fo steel and concrete are a good example of carbon being stored for a very long time. With a circular approach we try to make the best use of every tree, not letting anything go to waste, while safe-guarding the biodiversity and long-term resilience of the forest.
Forests have a positive impact
Sustainably managed forests have a positive climate impact, but the forest is not sustainably managed unless sustainable growth is ensured. After harvesting we secure the regeneration by working for seeds and seedlings to survive and grow well. At Holmen's own nurseries a total of twelve greenhouses are used for cultivating over 40 million seedlings yearly.
Read more on page 68.
Biodiversity is fundamental
When biodiversity is on the agenda, traceability has to be ensured. Supply chain managers make clear demands for the raw material to come from responsible, sustainable forestry. It also has to be processed in sustainable and effective ways with low environmental impact. Learn more about this from experts representing different fields throughout the book.
Read more on page 31.
Managed forests can accomplish more
Most carbon is bound in the trees when their annual growth is at its peak, normally at the age of 20-60 years. This means that active forestry creates greater climate benefit – as long as it is well taken care of and its resources are handled in responsible ways. But no one can say what needs the forests will fulfil in society in 50, 100 or 150 years' time. Therefore Holmen's strategy is to create resilient and varied forests.
Read more on page 118.
The book "Future-smart forests" is made to show how we work with forestry – in detail and with full transparency. From the contents:
Here are some recommendations if you want more detailed information about how sustainability is core to us:
Here are some recommendations if you want more detailed information about how sustainability is core to us: