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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Biodegradable disposable containers replace containers made of plastic. Pictured are formed fibre products made by Stora Enso using PureFiber™ and PureFiber™ Guard technologies.
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.
Forest of Opportunities - Finland's biggest workplace is a school campaign for 8th-grade students in Finland. In this campaign, forestry experts visit schools and talk about career opportunities in the forest industry as well as wood-based products and innovations. During the visit, the students get a clearer idea of what today's forest industry is really like: Its diverse study and job opportunities, how sustainability is related to everything the industry does, and all the products that can be manufactured from wood.
Since 2013, the campaign Forest of Opportunities has been coordinated by the Finnish Forest Industries Federation and the Finnish Forest Association together with forestry companies.
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