Metsä Group creates value locally, nationally and internationally
In addition to the economic value Metsä Group produces, the company also has other major impacts on society.
Our production units have a strong local influence and our operations affect the entire country. On a national level, we are an important producer of export goods and renewable energy. The value of the exports from our Finnish mills equals 5% of Finland's total exports, and we produce 15% of Finland's renewable energy.
On the international markets, our products correspond to global trends and reduce dependence on fossil raw materials. It is also worth noting that our primary raw material wood comes from sustainably managed northern forests with 100% traceability.
– Wood products store carbon for the entire lifespan.
– Pulp is used globally to make recyclable products such as paper and paperboard.
– Fresh fibre paperboard is a safe choice for food packaging.
– Tissue papers make everyday life easier and improve hygiene.
An important employer – directly and indirectly
93% of Metsä Group's employees have permanent contracts. In 2017, our employees received wages, salaries and benefits worth a total of 621 million euros. In addition, we spent 830 million euros on purchasing wood, and harvesting and transport services in Finland. Therefore it's not surprising that each Finnish forest industry job indirectly creates three more jobs indirectly, according to the Finnish Forest Industries Federation.
Forestry built on a sustainable foundation
Forests have both economic and recreational value, and it's in everyone's best interests to maintain that. Every year, Metsä Group procures over 30 million cubic metres of wood, and we always know its origin. 88% of the wood we use comes from certified forests, but through chain of custody procurement policies, we also ensure that wood from uncertified forests is procured, harvested and supplied in accordance with strict sustainability standards.
For every harvested tree, we plant four new seedlings. Metsä Group delivers 30 million seedlings annually to the Cooperative's forest owner-members and other customers.
Investing in the future
In 2015–2017 Metsä Group’s investments rise to 2 billion euros, mostly in Finland. Through our investments, we are building sustainable bioeconomy. Our research and development projects bring new bioproducts to the markets in order to replace fossil raw materials. Already 72% of the nergy used in our production is renewable and we have reduced fossil CO2 emissions by 38% per produced tonne since 2009. Metsä Group's investments takes us closer to a fossil-free society.