Metsä Fibre, the world’s largest producer of bleached softwood pulp and a globally significant manufacturer of sawn timber; Ahlstrom-Munksjö, a significant wood pulp consumer; and 3M, a global producer of paper-based products, seek to advance environmental performance and sustainability throughout their operations and supply chains. Bringing all supply chain actors together promotes responsible practices from forests to customers.

“Ahlstrom-Munksjö is committed to providing transparency along the supply chain, from forests to fiber-based materials, and to deploying sustainable practices. This unique collaboration is stepping up the supplier-customer relationship, beyond purely commercial benefits, to include people who live and work in the sourcing region. We collectively engage in forest and biodiversity protection, and development of local interests,” said Maud Laverroux, Manager, Sustainable Operations at Ahlstrom-Munksjö.

The partnership, which started in 2019, has mainly focused on responsible wood sourcing in the value chain from forests to end-products. This year, the companies will conduct research in Kainuu, Finland to collect views on the local forestry practices. Research will be organized by Earthworm Foundation, a global non-profit that transforms supply chains by partnering and innovating with the private sector, governments, communities and civil society to create solutions to environmental and social challenges.

“At Metsä Fibre, sustainability and responsibility are an integral part of everything we do. We have ambitious 2030 sustainability targets that help to pave the path towards a low-carbon society. We see that proactive sustainability collaboration with customers and other stakeholders is beneficial for us and also for the entire value chain. We are highly committed to driving responsibility not just in our own operations but also within the industry.” said Marko Ruottinen, Sustainability Manager at Metsä Fibre.