Holmen’s extensive forest holdings are the foundation of our business, a natural, renewable, and climate-positive raw material. Environmental and energy-related activities should be characterised by a holistic approach in which the Group’s forests, processes and products are circular. Raw materials should be used efficiently, discharges should be prevented, and continuous improvements should be pursued. Information and resources shall be available for the business to achieve overall environmental objectives, including set objectives regarding energy consumption, taking into consideration what is technically possible and economically feasible. Through its business, Holmen naturally supports the UN climate goals.
Environment
Holmen’s forest business, sawmills, paperboard mills and paper mills should comply with applicable environmental permits, standards and requirements for best available technology and be ISO certified in order to identify, prioritize and manage the environmental impact of the business. Holmen’s business operations must work according to the precautionary principle to prevent, hinder or combat damage or detriment to human health and the environment. In the event of disruptions to processes, priority is given to the environment rather than production. The environmental impact of current and discontinued operations must be tolerable to individuals and the environment. Before changes to environmental permits are made, investment needs should be considered and approval obtained in accordance with the Investment policy.
By applying due diligence in the Business Areas Forest, Wood Products and Board and Paper, it shall be ensured that Holmen’s raw materials and products shall be deforestation-free. All wood must be traceable back to its origin.
The use of water, chemicals and other input goods should be resource efficient. The use of fossil fuels should be minimised. Chemicals, fibres, and water should be recovered in order to minimise the environmental impact of production. By-products originating from business operations should be collected and used for different purposes. Waste should be minimised.
The climate and system benefits of hydropower should be safeguarded, and the hydropower plants be environmentally adapted in accordance with the National plan for revision of hydropower plant licenses to modern environmental permits.
Forestry should be conducted with the aim of achieving high-volume and sustainable production of raw material and so that the growing forest and its products make a positive contribution to the climate. The long-term productiveness of the land should be nurtured, aquatic environments protected, and historical valuable heritage environments preserved.
Biodiversity
Forests should be managed responsibly in a way that ensures the long-term survival of native plants and animals in the forest landscape. Holmen takes the biodiversity impacts from wind and hydro power into consideration.
Climate adaptation
All Holmen's production units for paperboard, paper, wood products and energy, as well as applicable parts of the forest business area, shall develop a climate adaptation plan. The plan shall describe the relevant climate risks, the consequences for the business and what activities can be taken. The unit's management shall prioritize which activities are to be carried out, where the costs and risks of the measures and other needs of the business shall be considered.
Energy
Holmen’s sawmills, paperboard mills and paper mills should comply with applicable standards and be ISO certified for the purpose of determining energy consumption and improve energy performance. Energy should be recovered and used for internal or external purposes in order to minimise environmental impact and to reduce the need for purchased energy.
Purchased electrical power should come from fossil-free generation. Guarantees of origin may be used to ensure this.
The Group should contribute to the transformation of the energy system through increased production of renewable energy.
Developmenta and dialogue
Holmen should contribute to positive developments in the environment, energy and forestry through its own activities and through cooperation. By keeping a good dialogue with representatives from the Sami villages, Holmen fulfils the legal requirements for the consideration of reindeer herding. When developing products and making investments, profitable production should be combined with efficient resource management and consideration for the environment.
Requirements for suppliers
Holmen should support purchase of environmental an energy efficient goods and services and express expectations that suppliers, contractors and carriers of goods and services consider energy and environmental aspects in their business. See also Holmen’s Supplier Code of Conduct.