Finland's 2Q 2016 paperboard production totalled 810,000 tonnes, representing an increase of 4.8% from the corresponding period of the previous year, while pulp production grew 4.4% in the 2Q to a total of 1.9 million tones, according to the Finnish Forest Industries Federation. Forest industry corporations produced no less than 8% more of softwood sawn timber in April-June than in the corresponding period of 2015 and production grew to 3.1 million cubic metres.
Paper production contracted 8.5% in the 2Q to a total of 1.6 million tonnes. Forest industry investments have started to grow, but this positive development can only continue in a competitive operating environment. The European Union is currently deliberating on several matters that have an impact on the forest-based sector. “Proposals regarding the European Union's implementation of the Paris climate agreement were complemented by the Commission's publication of emission-reduction obligations for sectors not covered by emissions trading. The 39% emission-reduction target imposed on Finland is very challenging. The possibility of taking full advantage of sustainable annual harvesting opportunities must be ensured when drafting regulations concerning the climate and the environment. In addition, measures must be taken to minimise the risk of carbon leakage,” says Timo Jaatinen, Director General of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation.
