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Logistics with sustainability in focus

Providing our customers with the best possible service does not only mean producing world-class paper. It is also about delivering the customer's orders according to the desired specification, in the right time, in the right place and, most importantly, in a sustainable way.

Supply and demand planning

The planning of our logistics has its starting point in our strategy. It's all about working long-term with sales plans and forecasts to secure capacity in our production as well as in the logistics channels. We usually talk about Supply & Demand Planning - balancing the market demand and our production capacity. 

In many aspects it refers to a "backwards planning" - to "do the math" from when the customer wants the delivery and going all the way back to our own operations. If we do this the proper way, we have the best chance to deliver the right volumes to the customer, when they want it and in a cost-effective and sustainable way. 

It might sound easy, but looking at the market today, the picture is rather complex - with many more customers, located all over the world, following different laws and regulations, and all with high demands on quality and "just-in-time" deliveries. 

This means that we as paper supplier need to be flexible, responsive and reliable, in logistics as well as in our production, while keeping a close eye on sustainability and cost-efficiency. Here are some examples of how we do it.

Modes of transports

Our paper is transported by sea, road or rail and often by combining two of those transport modes to the final destination. A combination of two modes is often referred to as intermodal transport, and could for example be that the trailer is placed on a railcar for the longer distance. 

 

A share of the volumes produced at our paper mills in Hallsta and Braviken is loaded in our own ports. Holmen Paper’s vessel M/S Baltic Bright calls different terminals in the Netherlands (Terneuzen), England (Sheerness) and Germany (Lübeck). The paper is sent to terminals and warehouses in Europe, awaiting call-offs by the customer. This way we can reduce the lead times to customer, while optimizing the transports from the mills.

 

 

Sustainable transports

Many factors affect the logistics planning. We always try to find the most sustainable solution as possible, which can be challenging matching the customers' need for quick deliveries.

The undoubtedly best environmental saving is the mileage not driven at all. So to minimize the miles on the road, we try to use our vessels and intermodal as much as possible. Unfortunately, it's not possible to avoid trucks and trailers altogether. Therefore, we have high demands on the carriers regarding CO2 emissions and environmental ratings and regulations in connection with the transport procurement. In 2019 we reached a level of about 70% fossil-free fuel for domestic deliveries. Naturally the goal is 100% which we plan to reach in 2030.

Logistic process

To start from the very beginning, everything originates from the long-term business plan, stretching over a three year period. After that we have annual sales plans, monthly forecasts, order planning and production planning on the respective paper machines, and in the end call-off orders from the customers. Each step of the way serves to optimize production and delivery to customer, as cost-efficient and just-in-time as possible, without ever compromizing on sustainability.

 

Being situated in the northern part of Europe, and delivering our products to customers all over the world, it can be challenging to meet all demands. However, we pride ourselves with having very consistent lead-times, which is extremely important for our customers. 

More about sustainability

Would you like to know more about how we work with sustainability in other areas? Read more about sustainability the Holmen Paper way.

Sustainability by Holmen Paper

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Holmen paper uses fresh fibre to develop innovative paper products that are ideally suited to books, magazines, advertising and packaging – areas of use that benefit from lightweight paper with high bulk and brightness and good printing properties. ​

Our paper is lighter – but not thinner. This enables resource-efficient solutions without compromising on quality or overall impression. Via our two Swedish paper mills and seven European sales companies, we deliver the paper solutions of tomorrow to customers across the globe.

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