Forest of Opportunities - Finland's biggest workplace

Everyday essentials and new innovations from the forest

We use wood-based products daily. In addition, the forest industry is constantly developing new wood-based products to replace those made from fossil fuels. Wood is a versatile raw material, with its major advantages being renewable and recyclable. Innovations in the forest industry are paving the way for a more sustainable future.

• © Metsä Group

  Cellulose-based textile fibres developed in Finland offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to water-intensive cotton or fossil-based synthetic fibres such as polyester. In the production of wood-based textile fibres, raw materials are utilised in a sustainable and responsible way. Pictured is a jacket made of Metsä Group's Kuura textile.

  Wood-based textiles

• © StoraEnso

  Foam material made of cellulose fibre replaces fossil foam materials used in protective packaging and cushioning material in packaging. Pictured is Stora Enso's Papira® cellulose foam material.

  Packaging materials

• © UPM

  In Finland, wood-based diesel is produced using crude tall oil that is wood residual from pulp production. The fuel is made of forest industry residues and does not compete with food production for raw materials. UPM produces wood-based diesel in Lappeenranta.

  Biofuel

• © MetsäGroup

  Paper is made of pulp, which is an incredibly versatile material. We need tissue papers, such as toilet paper and tissues, to fulfil our basic daily needs. They promote hygiene and health while offering comfort and well-being.

  Consumer tissue papers

• © MetsäGroup

  Wood is an excellent building material, and its advantages include good formability, acoustics and air quality. The use of wood reduces the carbon footprint of construction when considering the entire life cycle of the building from material production to construction, use and recycling. In buildings, wood can act as a carbon stock for centuries. Photo: Metsä Group

  Buildings

• © Woodio

  Fully waterproof, wood composite is an ecological alternative to ceramic and stone materials. For example, wood composite material made from wood chips can be turned into bathroom fixtures. Pictured is Woodio's washbasin.

  Washbasins and bathroom furniture

• © UPM

  FibDex® is the first wound dressing made with wood-based nanocellulose, developed in Finland. Nanocellulose has proved to be compatible with human cells and tissues. The product is used in hospitals and at clinics.

  Wound Dressing

• © Stora Enso

  Biodegradable disposable containers replace containers made of plastic. Pictured are formed fibre products made by Stora Enso using PureFiber™ and PureFiber™ Guard technologies.

  Preformed fibre packaging

• © UPM

  Wood can be used to make a biomaterial that replaces plastic in bottles, for example. Pictured is bio-based Coca-Cola bottle produced by UPM.

  PET bottles made of wood