Industrial Innovations in forestry and chemistry in Finland

The strongest engines of Finnish economy are forest and chemical industries. Wood from our northern forests is one of the most versatile raw materials in the World, with product scope spanning from timber and cardboard to textiles and biofuels.
Finland is the most forested country in Europe with more than 75% of the area covered by forests.

Forests give us well-being in many ways and enable smart and sustainable consumption choices. The forest and chemical industries in Finland have consistently worked on environmental sustainability since the 1970s. These sectors want also to be frontrunners in the future.

The forest industry will continue to be based mainly on its current products: timber, pulp, cardboard and paper. However, new innovative wood-based biodegradeable products are emerging alongside these traditional products, in response to global challenges and the need for improved products with lower environmental impact. During the next decade, these innovative next-generation products may become
the cornerstone of Finnish export economy.

The forest and chemical industries are carrying out several R&D projects to identify
new purposes for different sections of the tree that can offer higher added value and sustainability benefits. Addressing these challenges necessitate the utilization of chemistry. Chemistry is continuously evolving, and its findings bear significant importance for both present and future developments.

The partner networks play also an important role. By joining different cross-sectoral
networks, industry can learn insights and best practices from others and share its own experience on wood-based sustainable economy.

Product innovations of forest industry and the climate benefits of biodegradeable products are still rather unknown to consumers. However, they are becoming increasingly conscious and are demanding more sustainable materials having lower environmental impact. This has great potential for future growth of the forest sector in Finland.

Wille Rydman
Minister of Economic Affairs

Wille Rydman’s photograph:
Lauri Heikkinen, The Prime Minister’s Office