Wood is a fantastic material. It is strong, versatile, lightweight and the only building material produced on an industrial scale that is completely renewable – unlike concrete and steel which produce significant fossil carbon dioxide emissions. Wooden houses instead store carbon dioxide throughout their lifetime, and if the house is demolished, the material can be reused or recycled. In addition, transport becomes more cost-effective because wood weighs less. Holmen's wood products are known for their high quality, and are in demand by the carpentry and construction industry worldwide.
From seed to wooden house
This is how we create a sustainable future
It is easy to think that concepts such as sustainability and climate-smart products are entirely based on the climate issue. But for us at Holmen, it is about creating a whole.
We will create values that last over time and at the same time contribute to a better climate. Our industry is driven by a focus on long-term profitability. The wood products business will grow with renewable products that store carbon dioxide and replace fossil-based alternatives.
We also want to contribute to sustainable social development and a vibrant countryside. In many ways, that role is even more important today, as the effects of climate change become increasingly clear.
This includes combating climate change by creating the conditions for increased use of wood from sustainable forests. But it is also about taking social responsibility and taking initiatives that develop life in our region.
Areas where we can make a difference
Sustainability is about balancing economic, environmental and social perspectives. Here are four areas where we have a great opportunity to make a difference.
We grow houses, we cultivate change
Holmen grows houses. This means that we use the forest in a future-smart way to create wood that becomes sustainable homes and buildings. Nothing is wasted – because from the leftovers we manufacture world-leading paperboard and paper products as well as bioenergy. On our land, we also produce renewable energy from water and wind.
But our greatest climate benefit is actually not in trees and soil, but in how our products store carbon dioxide and become an alternative to fossil materials and energy sources that help others with their transition. When we grow houses, we also cultivate change.
Why wood is a good building material
- Using wood contributes to a sustainable society
- Wood is a 100 percent renewable raw material
- Wooden houses have an average lifespan of one hundred years
- Wood construction is cost-effective and offers the sustainable housing of the future
- Wood products can advantageously replace fossil materials such as steel and concrete – the so-called substitution effect reduces carbon dioxide emissions
- Wood has good heat-insulating properties, is lightweight and stores carbon dioxide for a long time
By the way, did you know?
"For every tree Holmen harvests, at least two new ones are planted
Wood that builds the future
Certifications
Certified wood from sustainably managed forests and chain of custody-certified sawmills are important parts of Holmen's long-term environmental work. But what are FSC,® PEFC and EPD? Here we list our different certifications and what they entail.
Annual report
Holmen publishes an integrated annual report, including financial, environmental and social data.
Here you will find our latest annual reports.