Foreword: Wood is a precious commodity and must be treated as such

We feel the intensifying competition for wood and the tight state of the market, as does everyone else. It’s already Södra’s strategy to make the most of every tree: resource efficiency is not a new concept, nor is the idea of the pulp mill as bio-refinery. But a heightened awareness of the potential of the forest to offer a whole range of new biostreams with pulp at their core, is not just opportunity but an obligation. We are committed to our existing markets but also to finding new ways to extract value from the forest, for our members, our customers and the planet. Wood really is a premium material, and we need to treat it that way.

There are so many reasons to believe in the potential of the forest to contribute to a better world, not only by discovering alternatives to fossil-based products for tomorrow, but by enhancing what we already offer today. Our products, your products, make a difference. Packaging, feminine hygiene, graphic papers, medical papers, all contribute to sustainable development, helping to raise living standards and improve quality of life.

We work continuously with an eye on the present and the future. How do we prepare for the EUDR in the short term? How can we grow seedlings adapted to climate change for the long term? What are we doing to ensure that we attract and retain the best talent in the sector? Which investments, large and small, will help us retain a competitive position in the market?

I’m looking forward to discussing these and any other questions you may have during London Pulp Week London next month. I’ll be joining Södra Cell’s Sales team in London and hope to meet some of you there. I also hope to see you at the Hawkins Wright Symposium, where our CEO, Lotta Lyrå, will deliver a presentation on the global value of family forestry.

Catrin Gustavsson
President, Södra Cell