Amidst the ongoing search for sustainable solutions to global challenges, the forest industry in Finland has emerged as a leader in developing innovative and environmentally friendly wood products.

The Nordic nation boasts 23 million hectares of lush green forests, accounting for around 72% of its landmass. With this abundant natural resource, Finland has been able to foster a thriving forest economy that is both economically strong and environmentally friendly. The country is home to a wide variety of forest products like timber, pulp, paper, board, flour, and pellets – all of which have played a key role in sustainably meeting the needs of the global market.

Reaping the Benefits of the Forest Economy

Finland’s forest economy has proven to be a major contributor to its national economy, making up nearly 20% of its total gross national product. The sector employs roughly 71,000 people and brings in more than 20 billion euros annually. This is a result of the production of high-quality forest products, which are exported to over 100 countries worldwide.

In addition to the economic benefits, the forest industry also has tremendous social and environmental impacts. The production of wood products helps to maintain rural livelihoods and supports local communities. Furthermore, Finland’s forests act as carbon sinks, sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere and thereby helping to combat climate change.

Innovation in Sustainable Wood Products

The Finnish forest industry has long been committed to the principles of sustainability. In response to global concerns about deforestation and climate change, the sector has undergone a transformation in recent years. Today, Finnish companies are making use of cutting-edge technologies and materials to produce sustainable wood products with low environmental impacts.

One example of this is cross-laminated timber (CLT), a multi-layered wood panel that is used to build large modern structures. CLT is lighter and more durable than traditional building materials, and its production requires less energy, resulting in approximately 85% fewer CO2 emissions than concrete. Finnish companies are now leading the way in the production and use of CLT, exporting approximately 70% of the world’s supply.

Finnish wood products companies are also making use of new digital solutions to monitor and manage forest resources. For example, the use of drones and satellite imaging technology enables real-time monitoring of forest health and productivity. This technology makes it possible to identify potential threats such as pests and disease, reducing the need for chemical treatment and improving overall forest sustainability.

Leading the Way Towards a Circular Economy

Finland’s forest industry is also paving the way towards a circular economy by reusing and recycling raw materials in a sustainable manner. The country produces 14 million tonnes of forest-based side-streams annually, including sawdust, bark, chips, and black liquor. Rather than disposing of these materials, Finnish companies have found innovative ways to reuse and recycle them to produce new products with low environmental impacts.

For example, black liquor, a by-product of pulp production, is now being used as a feedstock for the production of biogas and bio-oil. Similarly, Finnish companies are now making use of lignin, a side-stream of the pulp and paper industry, to produce bio-based plastics and adhesives. This shift towards the production of bio-based materials is not only reducing the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels, but also promoting the development of a more sustainable economy.

Conclusion

Finland’s forest industry has established itself as a global leader in the development of sustainable wood products. The sector’s commitment to sustainability and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and materials has resulted in lower environmental impacts, while still meeting the needs of the global market. As the world seeks out sustainable solutions, the Finnish forest industry can serve as a blueprint for other countries looking to develop a thriving forest economy, while still having a positive impact on the environment.