Through my work in public affairs, I’ve come to know Södra well. Now, in my role at Södra Wood, I get to see how sustainability is put into practice every day. Being part of a larger group really makes a difference - especially when it comes to sharing knowledge and solving challenges together.

Collaboration is one of our greatest strengths - both within wood, the Group and with our customers. When we take shared responsibility, we can make a real impact. To be truly sustainable, our processes and products must meet the highest standards of performance.

The investment in Kinda is a great example of how we raise the bar across the value chain - from forest to finished product. It strengthens the future of the sawmill and opens up new possibilities, like biocarbon and increased pellet production.

Whether it’s the EUDR, Renewable Energy Directive or Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, our ability to respond is strengthened by the depth of expertise across the Group. Covering so much of the value chain within one organization gives us a unique advantage, from chain of custody to due diligence.

While new regulations can seem demanding, and sometimes is demanding, we see increasing engagement from our customers in all aspects of sustainability and that’s encouraging. Sustainability is often viewed through an environmental lens, but we also receive frequent questions about health and safety, and even training practices. This reflects a growing awareness that environmental, social and economic sustainability are deeply interconnected.

Södra has a powerful story to tell. One of our biggest challenges is helping consumers understand that wood is a renewable, circular alternative to fossil-based materials. Our customers’ sustainability stories are closely linked to ours. The long-term forest management practices of our members are embedded in the products our customers create.

At Södra, we strive to maximize the value of every tree. After the most valuable parts have been refined into high-quality construction timber and other wood products for our customers, we continue to unlock potential through bioproducts, products that support the transition to a fossil-free society. This holistic approach ensures that nothing goes to waste and that every part of the tree contributes to a more sustainable future.

We’re making steady progress, but sustainability is a continuous journey. It is about connecting emission reduction, cost efficiency, and social sustainability in a clear and impactful way.

To quote our Human Resource Manager Louise Hydling:
“We perform at our highest level when we are in a state of well-being”. Research clearly shows that well-being and performance are connected, workplace well-being leads to higher productivity, engagement, and motivation. This is also such an important part of my daily work as head of sustainability.