Conservation strategy aligned with environmental policy goals

The conservation strategy follows the Swedish nature conservation model, which considers multiple levels – from ecological landscape planning to consideration of individual stands and trees. Local consideration plans are used to identify and protect areas with high natural values, and in the managed forest, considerations are adjusted based on needs and the specific conditions of each stand. The foundation for this work is the forest sector's shared goals for good environmental consideration, developed in collaboration with the Swedish Forest Agency based on current forest policy, industry knowledge, and Sweden's forest and environmental policy goals. Holmen’s conservation strategy thus encompasses both the identification and management of areas with high natural values, as well as nature conservation as part of active forestry.

A total of around 20 percent of Holmen's forest area is used for various environmental purposes. This includes voluntarily set aside productive forest land, tree-bearing impediments protected by law, and environmental considerations in the managed forest. Holmen’s environmental considerations also include renewable energy production from wind and hydropower, which can impact biodiversity and therefore require specific assessment processes and action plans.

 

Material biodiversity risks

Holmen's business depends on healthy ecosystems and the ability to engage in active forestry. Increased demands to set aside land for purposes other than forestry could lead to reduced harvests, posing a business risk. Similarly, legislation regarding land and water use may hinder the expansion and production of renewable energy, which could affect Holmen's ability to contribute to the transition to a fossil-free energy system.

Holmen has identified two main significant risks related to biodiversity and ecosystems:

  • The impact of forestry on biodiversity

  • The impact of energy production on biodiversity

     

Management of material risks

Holmen works systematically to assess the consequences, risks, and opportunities for biodiversity and ecosystems, both within forestry and energy production. The impact of forestry on, and its dependence on, viable ecosystems is primarily determined through ecological landscape planning and nature value assessments, while environmental impact assessments and monitoring programmes are used to understand the impact of energy production on biodiversity. In addition, wind and hydropower are regulated by extensive permitting processes that include assessments of biodiversity impact.

 

Biodiversity policies

Holmen's environmental and energy policy outlines how environmental work should be organized and conducted. In the event of disruptions, environmental concerns should take priority over production. Both ongoing and completed activities must ensure that environmental impacts are acceptable for both people and the environment.

Holmen's forestry operations aim for high and sustainable production of wood raw materials so that growing forests and their products contribute to positive climate impact. The long-term production capacity of the land should be safeguarded, water environments protected, and historically valuable cultural environments preserved. Furthermore, the policy states that Holmen's forests should be managed responsibly to ensure the long-term survival of naturally occurring species within the forest landscape. It also emphasizes the need to consider the impact of wind and hydropower on biodiversity.

Holmen's sites are certified under the ISO 14001 environmental management system. Additionally, the forestry operations hold forest management and traceability certifications. All Holmen facilities that use wood raw materials are certified for traceability. Hydropower production is regulated by water permits that set limits for water levels and flows.

Through the application of due diligence, Holmen ensures that its raw materials and products are deforestation-free, in compliance with the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation. All wood must be traceable to its origin. Wood procurement must also adhere to regulations and guidelines from the Swedish Forest Agency and, where applicable, relevant certification systems.

When conducting harvesting assignments in Sweden, Holmen applies environmental consideration guidelines unless otherwise agreed. The minimum environmental consideration standard for wood purchases is set by the Forest Act. Before purchasing from private forest owners in the form of logging rights in Sweden, the natural values of the area should be assessed, and if an area has high natural values, further information should be gathered before a purchase decision is made.

Holmen shall not purchase wood from forests that:

  • Are key biotopes in Sweden according to the Swedish Forest Agency’s definition and methodology.
  • Are protected for nature conservation reasons.
  • Are old-growth forests, meaning mature, uneven-aged natural forests with abundant old, large trees and a significant presence of dead wood in various stages of decay.
  • Have been illegally harvested.
  • Originate from genetically modified trees.
  • Grow in areas where human rights are actively restricted.
  • Have high conservation value (High Conservation Value Forests).

 

Lear more about Strategy and Risk Management for Biodiversity in Holmen's Sustainability Report