The production of boards and planks generates by-products, which we call biofuels. These each have their own unique properties, such as dry content and energy content, making them suitable for different uses.
Holmen’s biofuels
Bark
Bark is generated when sawlogs or pulpwood are debarked, i.e. when the bark is removed from the log. Bark is almost exclusively sent for combustion.
Sawdust
Sawdust is a homogeneous by-product of the sawmill industry, resulting from the sawing of logs into boards and planks. Sawdust can be burned or processed into pellets, wood panels, etc.
Dry chips
Dry chips are produced when offcuts from boards and planks are shredded into chips, after the boards and planks have dried in our large kilns. The chips therefore contain almost no moisture, making them a premium product. Dry chips can be burned in a solid fuel boiler or further processed into pellets.
Wood shavings
Wood shavings are generated in the sawmill industry when dried wood is further processed by planing or milling. The shavings are extremely dry, with good absorbency, and can be used as bedding in stables or in the production of pellets.
Yard bark
Yard bark occurs in places where logs and pulpwood are stored. The bark that falls off the wood is collected in large piles that are later processed to remove stones and gravel, and can then be crushed into a good biofuel. Common uses include fuel in heating plants and mulch for gardens.