Metsäliitto Cooperative’s owner-members should also note the financial benefits our owner-members receive. Depending on the economic cycle, we purchase 12–18 million cubic metres of wood from our owner-members every year. In 2025, our profit distribution was approximately EUR 93 million, and we also paid wood trade bonuses and price guarantees of approximately EUR 19 million.
In 2025, the economic benefit calculated per cubic metre of wood purchased from Metsä Group’s owner-members was more than EUR 9. This is a really significant additional perk. Of course, past profits are not a guarantee of future earnings, but being an owner-member will continue to be worthwhile. The more active you are as a member, the more financial benefits you get.
In the early part of the year, Metsä Group’s wood purchasing was successful, and the mills’ needs were met. FSC® forest certification has become clearly more popular.
We need more FSC-certified wood at our mills, as demand for it is growing in the end product markets. I encourage you to have an open mind and take a look at the benefits of FSC certification, including the additional price we pay for it, which was further raised last autumn. For further information, please contact your forest specialist.
The end product markets remain subdued, and profitability in the industry is low. However, wood is still being purchased as usual. Forest stands with spruce logs on soils with good load-bearing capacity are in greatest demand, as is, of course, FSC-certified wood.
We are expecting the demand for forest management services to pick up as wood trade volumes increase. Once again, I am very pleased that our customer feedback from forest owners has remained excellent.
We have introduced a new artificial intelligence application based on satellite imagery and geospatial data for the planning and pricing of young stand management work. The application enables us to quote a fixed price for early clearing and pre-commercial thinning as early as the offering phase, and the price will no longer be adjusted after carrying out the young stand management work. Some of our members will already receive offers based on this new model this year. Management measures at young stands must be taken on time to ensure the profitability of forestry. We can help you with this.
A lot is happening in forest policy. Legislative amendments concerning felling during the breeding season are being finalised; and the national implementation plan for the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and amendments related to nature values trading will be put out for consultation before the summer. It appears that minor changes to the minimum stand requirements will be made to the Forest Act next autumn.
Now is a good time to plan forestry work and wood sales for the summer. Let's ensure the vitality of forests with active management and keep the wheels of society turning. Have a great start to the summer!
Logo licence of Metsäliitto Cooperative’s FSC group certificate: FSC-C111942