Modern processes for producing cartonboard and paper are very efficient and use nearly 100% of the wood raw material in one way or another. Papermills use parts of the tree not used to make paper to produce their own energy, which covers a large portion of their heating requirements.
Pulp and paper production processes are industrial activities regulated by extensive environmental legislation. Permits must be obtained for production in accordance with environmental statutes. These permits authorise the mill to produce a certain amount and contain conditions regulating emissions to air and water as well as noise levels and waste management. The environmental effects of production processes have been reduced considerably over the past two decades.
The primary work on the environment is carried out locally at the mills. In the past two decades the environmental impacts of the process have been reduced considerably. As well as complying with statutory requirements, the mills also hold environmental certification under ISO 14001.
Certification demands a structured, target-driven way of working to gradually reduce the environmental impact of operations.
Work on the environment is regularly audited by external auditors. The mills’ suppliers are checked and assessed under ISO 14001.