According to Erja Karjalainen, Director, Customer Service at Metsä Fibre, the target is pursued by developing the entire supply chain.
“Reducing logistics emissions is a key way for us to lower the climate impact of our operations. At the same time, we improve supply chain efficiency and respond to our customers’ growing sustainability expectations,” Karjalainen says.
Transport solutions are optimised in close cooperation between logistics, sales and customers.
“In practical terms, this means, for example, transporting full units, favouring rail transport and other lower‑emission transport modes, and avoiding unnecessary journeys,” Karjalainen explains.
Warehouse network reduces the need for road transport
Increasing the share of rail transport is one of the key objectives. Whenever the route and delivery schedule allow, rail is chosen instead of road transport.
“Emissions from rail transport per thousand kilometres are significantly lower than those from road transport, so the impact on overall emissions is substantial. This is particularly important in domestic logistics within Finland and in the transport of finished pulp from mills to ports,” Karjalainen says.
Emissions are also reduced through the warehouse network. Metsä Fibre has an extensive, customer‑oriented network of port terminals and warehouses around the world, which shortens the final delivery leg.
“For example, in Europe, delivery from a local port warehouse significantly reduces the need for road transport compared with delivering all the way from Finland by lorry,” Karjalainen illustrates.
Logistics emissions are monitored systematically, covering emissions by transport mode, route and supplier, as well as emission intensity per tonne kilometre.
“The better we understand the emission impacts, the more effectively we can steer everyday decisions,” Karjalainen says.
Cooperation with VR aims to halve emissions
Partnerships play a key role in efforts to reduce logistics emissions.
“Long‑term cooperation with selected partners delivers better results than working alone,” says Veli‑Matti Passinen, VP, Logistics, Metsä Group.
Metsä Group works closely with the Finnish railway company VR to halve transport emissions by 2030. Practical measures include improving train concepts, maximising the use of electric trains and bio‑based fuels, and further promoting the electrification of the rail network in cooperation with authorities.
“Electrifying the rail network is a goal that no single operator can achieve alone, but through cooperation we have been able to make progress. For example, pulp transports from our Äänekoski bioproduct mill to the Port of Vuosaari are carried entirely by electric trains,” Passinen says.
According to estimates, the cooperation with VR could reduce emissions by up to 14,000 tCO₂e per year, equivalent to more than 25,000 lorry transports.
Focus on efficiency and fuel in maritime transport
Maritime transport plays a significant role, as almost 90 per cent of Metsä Fibre’s logistics emissions originate from maritime shipping. Cooperation with the Dutch shipping company Royal Wagenborg focuses on technical improvements to the fleet, the development of new vessel types, optimisation of cargoes and routes, and reducing fuel consumption.
“There are currently many changes in maritime transport that encourage emission reductions. Development is driven by EU regulation and blending mandates for biofuels. At the same time, customer expectations regarding sustainability and emission reductions within their own supply chains are increasing,” Passinen says.
Joint shipments improve utilisation rates
Operational measures have already delivered results. Emissions from Royal Wagenborg transports have decreased by approximately 18 per cent over the past two years.
“Together with the shipping company, we have been able to optimise fuel consumption, for example by no longer sailing at full speed to a port to wait. Instead, speed is adjusted to the schedule so that the vessel arrives at exactly the right time to start loading or unloading.”
The utilisation rate of cargo capacity has also been improved through joint shipments of different Metsä Group products.
“In practice, this means that in addition to pulp, we transport, for example, paperboard or Kerto® LVL products in the same vessel.”
Passinen expects the use of alternative fuels to increase within the regulatory framework. Their importance will grow as availability and usability improve.
Rerouting improved efficiency in the United States
Metsä Fibre has also developed its logistics in the United States, particularly in the Great Lakes region. The company uses several ports in the US, and Green Bay has recently been added alongside existing ports. Previously, some pulp shipments arrived at the Port of Baltimore and were then transported onwards by road. These shipments are now routed via Green Bay.
“We started using this route in 2024, and it has proven effective. We also have local product warehouses that help ensure reliable, up‑to‑date and fast deliveries to our customers. At the same time, we have been able to reduce emissions and improve our service capability,” Passinen says.
Sustainability extends all the way to the customer
According to Passinen, reductions in logistics emissions are not only an environmental issue; they also affect delivery reliability and the quality of partnerships.
“Customers receive environmentally friendly products with an even smaller carbon footprint. At the same time, efficiency and service capability improve. Generally, a company that operates responsibly is also a reliable and efficient partner in other respects,” he emphasises.