Sustainability information

In a wide range of applications, Södra's products made from renewable forest raw materials can replace fossil-based alternatives. The potential climate benefit of using bio-based products instead of fossil-based products is referred to as substitution and is one of three components of Södra's total climate effect model. The other two parameters are the net sink of carbon dioxide in the members' forests and the fossil greenhouse gas emissions in the value chain.

Renewable forest raw materials

Södra's products generally have a lower climate change impact than fossil-based alternatives. This assessment is based on comparisons between Södra's bio-based products and corresponding fossil-based alternatives. The comparisons are based on interpretation of life cycle data from Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and generic data from established databases.

Climate change impact

Södra works systematically to ensure a safe and secure work environment, based on a vision of zero accident vision and behaviour-based safety. Efforts for diversity, equality and inclusion are followed up with clear goals, training and key metrics.

Safety and inclusion

Södra supports its members in responsible forestry through forest certification, green forest management plans, nature conservation management and nature conservation premiums. The consideration is followed up annually through the Green Balance Sheet and further developed through research collaborations and a future nature conservation programme.

Nature conservation and biodiversity

Södra is an economic association owned by more than 50,000 forest owners in Götaland, the southern part of Sweden. The association was founded in 1938 and is based on cooperative principles: one member, one vote, democratic governance and profit sharing to the members. Since the owners are also raw material suppliers, the value from industry and processing is reinvested in the joint operations and distributed back to the forest estate. This creates a stable ownership structure that is anchored in the members' activities.

The cooperative model

The members' forest estates are owned and managed long-term by families, often over several generations. Södra supports its members with advice and services for long-term and climate-adapted forestry – from seedling selection and stand management to monitoring growth and harvesting. The harvest rate is kept within sustainable levels in the long term, and thus the forest can continue to be used as both a resource and carbon stock over time.

Forests for generations

Södra is developing new products in six innovation areas – forestry, wood products, paper, textiles, chemicals and energy – where the entire tree is utilised. Several products can replace fossil-based alternatives in specific applications, including cross-laminated-timber (CLT), OnceMore® pulp, biomethanol and kraft lignin.

Bio-based products

Our industrial structure, including two combined facilities, makes it possible to use raw materials, energy and chemicals in a resource-efficient manner. The industrial operations is largely self-sufficient in energy, supplies surplus heat and electricity to the surrounding community, and is gradually electrifying vehicles and machinery.

Resource efficiency