Metsä Fibre, Ahlstrom-Munksjö and 3M, with the help of Earthworm Foundation, continue their close collaboration in responsible wood sourcing. This year the partnership concentrates on the Kainuu region, Finland, where the different parties will conduct research on current forestry practices and future practices linked to Kemi Mill expansion in the area. Based on the results, the three companies will develop their operations and continue collaboration among each other and other stakeholders to pursue sustainability in wood sourcing.
Metsä Fibre, the world’s largest producer of bleached softwood pulp and a globally significant manufacturer of sawn timber; Ahlstrom-Munksjö, a significant wood pulp consumer; and 3M, a global producer of paper-based products, seek to advance environmental performance and sustainability throughout their operations and supply chains. Bringing all supply chain actors together promotes responsible practices from forests to customers.
“Ahlstrom-Munksjö is committed to providing transparency along the supply chain, from forests to fiber-based materials, and to deploying sustainable practices. This unique collaboration is stepping up the supplier-customer relationship, beyond purely commercial benefits, to include people who live and work in the sourcing region. We collectively engage in forest and biodiversity protection, and development of local interests,” said Maud Laverroux, Manager, Sustainable Operations at Ahlstrom-Munksjö.
The partnership, which started in 2019, has mainly focused on responsible wood sourcing in the value chain from forests to end-products. This year, the companies will conduct research in Kainuu, Finland to collect views on the local forestry practices. Research will be organized by Earthworm Foundation, a global non-profit that transforms supply chains by partnering and innovating with the private sector, governments, communities and civil society to create solutions to environmental and social challenges.
“At Metsä Fibre, sustainability and responsibility are an integral part of everything we do. We have ambitious 2030 sustainability targets that help to pave the path towards a low-carbon society. We see that proactive sustainability collaboration with customers and other stakeholders is beneficial for us and also for the entire value chain. We are highly committed to driving responsibility not just in our own operations but also within the industry.” said Marko Ruottinen, Sustainability Manager at Metsä Fibre.
Finnish forests have areas important for their biodiversity, and as a carbon sink and source of livelihood for local residents, as well as community well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to understand local views and challenges to ensure sustainable operations in the area. Earthworm will conduct interviews with different stakeholders to understand possible issues and development areas related to regional forestry practices. Based on the results, partners will determine with relevant stakeholders what steps, if any, can be taken towards achieving a more sustainable balance between different forest values.
“At 3M, sustainability is tied to shared global needs. For the world to have a sustainable future, many challenges must be addressed, including the limited availability of natural resources and a global climate crisis. We understand that our impact, as we improve our business, our planet, and every life, can be far greater when we collaborate with our suppliers, customers, and communities. This is the continued story of our promise to help solve the world’s greatest challenges,” said Geertje Pollaris, Responsible Sourcing Leader for 3M EMEA Region.