Wood is by far the largest raw material consumed in terms of volumes. Wood is a natural and renewable resource.
Environmental guidelines for purchasing wood
Wood is purchased from sources where harvesting is carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country of origin.
- Billerud does not Buy illegally harvested wood, wood harvested in violation of traditional and civil rights, wood harvested in forests where high conservation values are threatened by management activities, wood harvested in forests being converted to plantations or non-forest use or wood from genetically modified trees.
- Demands about the origin of supplies are regulated in agreements with each supplier.
- Raw materials must not be treated with biocides, fungicides or the like that are banned in Sweden.
- Transportation of raw materials shall be performed in a way that is environmentally acceptable.
- In contacts with suppliers, customers and authorities Billerud aims to promote understanding for the company’s views on the need to take responsibility for the environment.
Billerud supports the introduction of certification systems that safeguard environmental protection as stated above. These certificates shall be based on independent assessments and on the active participation of parties that are independent of the forest industry.
In addition to its basic requirement, Billerud is involved in the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
The Billerud's Swedish mills are accredited with the PEFC's chain-of-custody certificate and the FSC certificate that both guarantee traceability. These certificates help Billerud to sell eco-labelled products in relation to the volume of certified wood that it purchases.
Billerud only purchases controlled wood. Part of the wood supply is furthermore traceability certified according to PEFC and FSC. Billerud continuously work with gradually increasing the purchases from traceability certified suppliers.