A sustainable actor
Sustainability is taking responsibility for people and the environmental impact of our business, constantly finding new solutions and spurring our papers on to the next level. Frankly, there is no other choice.
Holmen Board and Paper is part of the Holmen Group, a company that has its foundation in the forest’s ecocycle, transforming the raw material into everything from construction timber to innovative paper solutions for print and packaging. By sustainable processes we have significantly cut emissions of fossil carbon dioxide from our mills over the years. Holmen's paper mills now have the lowest CO2 emission benchmark per tonne of paper in the world.
The forest is a magical place
As part of the Holmen Group, we have managed and taken care of our forests for over 400 years. And we have every intention of continuing to do so. It is important today, and it may be even more vital in the future. But not only is the forest a fantastic source of raw material, it’s home to many different plants and animals, not to mention its importance for us humans.
This is why long-term planning and sustainability of utmost importance. Like the more than 20 percent of Holmen’s total forest land we set aside for nature conservation purposes.
Reducing the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere
Holmen has a positive climate footprint. In fact, our business actually helps to reduce the total amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Our forest grows more in volume than we harvest every year – in 2023 alone, the forest uptake increased by 1.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. On top of this, carbon is stored in our timber and products. After deducting the emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3 upstream) our businesses still result in a direct net storage increase.
Even recovered paper grows in the forest
Many draw a distinction between paper and recovered paper, forgetting that both actually come from the same fibre. When used for the first time, it is fresh fibre, but as soon as the paper is recycled, it becomes recovered fibre. We believe in recycling. But a wood fibre can’t be re-used indefinitely, 5-7 times is the maximum. After that the fibre becomes too short and weak, and the paper can’t hold together anymore. Therefore, the paper recycling system constantly need the addition of fresh fibre-based paper.
Energy efficiency high on the agenda
Our paper mills in Hallsta and Braviken have a constant focus on improving energy efficiency and environmental performance. And we have come a long way. Hallsta paper mill, for example, recovers surplus steam from the paper machines and heat from the wastewater. This means that exhaust gases and carbon dioxide are no longer released from the chimneys.
Braviken also recovers a great deal of heat, with around 60 per cent of its thermal energy needs met using recovered steam. This energy recovery also reduces the need to burn oil, which has cut oil consumption at the mill by 80 per cent since 2005.
Certifications that guarantee peace of mind
Our papers are made using fresh fibre from sustainably managed forests in Sweden. Guaranteed. Within the Holmen Group, we follow globally recognised standards for forest management and for dealing with energy, quality and the environment. And Holmen’s products are also certified.
EcoVadis platinum
Both of our paper mills hold the EcoVadis platinum medal. This is the seventh year in a row we have been ranked in the highest possible category for environmental and social responsibility.
Sustainable transports
On top of all this there are the benefits that come from being able to ship our products by sea and rail. Every year we reduce transport emissions by minimizing the miles on the road in cooperation with our customers.
A natural part of an ecocycle
For us it’s important to take care of our growing forests and manage our raw materials and ecosystems in an efficient way. 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 is already processed and repurposed. Our production facilities recycle both chemicals and energy. Our own raw material is renewable, and our products eventually become the raw material in the recovered paper process. When the paper fibres have reached the end of their life, they become biofuel. All this makes Holmen Board and Paper a natural part of a bio-based circular economy.
Does buying paper with a lower basis weight lead to less climate impact?
Holmen's bulk advantage makes it possible to buy fewer tonnes of paper without losing paper thickness. That way you actually buy less paper, and less carbon dioxide is emitted from production and distribution.