Holmen Reduces Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 45%

 

During 2014, Holmen’s (Sweden) carbon dioxide emissions per metric ton of paper and paperboard products produced decreased by 45% compared with 2013. This substantial improvement is the result of a long-term investment and means that the company has taken a further step towards reducing the climate impact of its operations. 

The investment in a new recovery boiler at the paperboard mill in Iggesund has significantly reduced emissions of fossil carbon dioxide and the target is to become self-sufficient in heating and electricity. As a result of extensive energy investments, the paperboard mill in Workington currently runs on biofuel and is self-sufficient in electricity and thermal energy. In addition, fossil-free electricity is distributed to the local community. Today, the manufacture of paperboard in the Holmen Group is virtually fossil-free. 

Major investments have been made at Hallsta Paper Mill to increase its energy efficiency, mainly through increased heat recovery from paper machines and pulp production. During 2014, emissions of fossil carbon dioxide decreased by around 70% compared with 2013. At Braviken Paper Mill, oil consumption has decreased due to improvements in the operational strategy for the mill’s steam system, greater efficiency in the solid fuel boiler and increased steam recovery from the production of thermomechanical pulp.

 

Together these measures have allowed Holmen to reduce emissions of fossil carbon dioxide in 2014 from 123 to 67 kilos per metric ton of paper and paperboard products produced, compared with 2013. 

In recent years Holmen has received several awards for its sustainability work and is included in the UN’s global stock index Global Compact 100 for companies that show a strong financial performance combined with sustainable operations. During 2014, Holmen also gained a place in the Carbon Disclosure Projects (CDP) list of 187 listed companies that are pioneers in the fight against the threat of climate change. In January 2015, Holmen was also named by CDP as one of the 121 best suppliers in the world as regards action against climate change. 

Lars Strömberg, Holmen’s director of sustainable and environmental affairs noted that "our strategy of investing in fossil-free technology at the mills in Sweden and the U.K. has been crucial for our sustainability work and we are very satisfied with the results for 2014. Being recognized with awards and being included in the sustainability index is acknowledgement of our work. Our efforts on energy and climate issues also create trust, which strengthens our brand with regard to investors, customers and suppliers."

 

Holmen produces paperboard, printing paper, and sawn timber and runs forestry and energy production operations. In 2014, the company’s net sales were SEK 16 billion and the group has approximately 3,400 employees.