Through innovation and development, we create industrial processes that use raw materials, energy and chemicals efficiently
Our industrial structure, including two combined facilities, makes it possible to use raw materials, energy and chemicals in a resource-efficient manner. The industrial operation is largely self-sufficient in energy, supplies surplus heat and electricity to the surrounding community, and is gradually electrifying vehicles and machinery.
Development of existing processes
Södra drives innovation and development of existing processes in six areas: forestry, wood products, paper, textiles, chemicals and energy.
Industrial combined facilities
Södra's industrial combined facilities make it possible to utilise the entire forest raw material in coherent, resource-efficient flows with efficient use of materials, energy and transport.
The wood raw material is not only the most important raw material for Södra, but also the most important source of energy that is converted into steam, electricity and heat in Södra's pulp mills and sawmills. We are almost self-sufficient in terms of energy for our own industry. The surplus is delivered to society as electricity, district heating and biofuels. Energy management systems are used in pulp mills to support the work.
Electricity
Södra is a major producer of green electricity from biomass, wind and water, and thereby contributes to the supply of electricity in southern Sweden. The total amount of excess electricity that we supply corresponds to the domestic electricity consumed by just over 50,000 detached houses per year, or the average consumption of just over 120,000 electric vehicles per year.
District heating
District heating from Södra consists mainly of energy surpluses from our industries. We supply district heating to locations close to our industries that corresponds to the heat needs of almost 25,000 detached houses (approx. 0.02 GWh/detached houses).
Investment in electrification
Södra is working on the electrification of work machines and transport. Own operational machinery and vehicles in industry and in the forest are largely powered by HVO (bio-based alternative to fossil diesel) and work is underway to electrify forklifts, among other things. In 2025, Södra's first electric wood chip truck was commissioned in Småland and Blekinge – a test pilot in the TREE project coordinated by the Forestry Research Institute of Sweden to evaluate the opportunities of electric transport in the forest industry.
To promote commuting with electric vehicles, there are now around 450 charging points at our facilities and offices. In 2025, around 70 charging points were installed. Under Södra's company car regulations, employees are offered a wide range of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, where electric vehicles must be the first choice. During the year, about 180 new electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids were leased. Of the total number of company cars, 100 percent were electric or plug-in hybrids at the end of 2025.
Chemical recycling
At pulp mills, alkaline cooking chemicals are recycled to a large extent, which reduces the need to add new chemicals. At the same time, energy is generated in the process.
Quality
Södra works continuously to maintain and improve the quality of its products and industrial processes.