The forest industry is crucial for achieving climate goals and enhancing overall well-being in Finland reports the country´s Forest Industry Association. The success of this sector is grounded in the growth of healthy forests that increase carbon storage, thereby helping to mitigate climate change.
Wood products act as carbon storage throughout their lifecycle and offer a sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials, steering consumption towards a carbon-neutral future.
The Finnish forest industry's commitment to product development, fossil-free processes, and active forest management exemplifies environmental stewardship, providing significant export, tax, and stumpage price revenues for Finland. It also fosters new investments that support the green transition, with active forest management and wood-based products bolstering the Finnish economy and creating jobs nationwide.
Innovation
Innovation is key to the industry's productivity and economic growth. With 77 per cent of companies in the chemical forest sector engaged in innovative activities, Finland is a global leader in renewable material, process, and product innovations.
The forest industry utilizes every part of the tree, ensuring that by-products and waste are efficiently used in further processes or for energy production. This approach not only maximizes resource efficiency but also aligns with circular bioeconomy principles, aiming to produce high-quality wood-based products that can be recycled and used in bioenergy production after their lifecycle.
Significant employer
The sector is a significant employer in Finland, directly employing 38,400 people and indirectly supporting 82,800 jobs. It demands a skilled workforce proficient in STEM fields, technical and financial expertise, and an understanding of digital applications and consumer behaviour. Continuous skill development and international career opportunities are available for industry professionals.
Newly the forest industry's turnover reached €45 billion, contributing €11 billion in value-added and €3.1 billion in tax revenues to the Finnish economy. The industry's commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it at the core of Finland's circular bioeconomy, utilizing renewable raw materials efficiently and contributing to the country's economic growth and environmental goals.
Source: Finnish Forestry Association