Stora Enso has launched a new operating model at its logging sites in Finland to improve the vitality and biodiversity of forests. In practice, this is done by reducing the density of planted spruce from 1,800 seedlings per hectare to 1,600 seedlings per hectare. This will increase mixed-species forests, which is one of the overarching objectives of Stora Enso’s biodiversity programme and part of the actions both in Finland and Sweden. A mixed forest is defined as a forest in which the main tree species does not exceed 75% of the growing stock. It may consist of coniferous trees (such as spruce or pine), broadleaved trees (such as birch), or a mixture of both. These kinds of forests are the environments where biodiversity prospers: especially broadleaved trees create vital habitats for many endangered species. Currently, broadleaves are a minority in boreal forests, which is why concrete actions are needed. As a new endeavor, forestry operations in Finland have expanded their biodiversity programme with the plan to decrease the density of spruce seedlings. Unlike many other tree species, spruce thrives also in the shadow. This means that when planting density is reduced, the spruce seedlings will let in more sunlight and thus create better conditions for other natural tree species, such as pine and birch. Forests that consist of diverse tree species are also more adaptive to the changes and risks posed by climate change..

As a family business, the Koehler Group focuses not on its quarterly results, but rather on the long-term future and generations to come. In this second sustainability report, the company provides the first details of its 2030 sustainability strategy and the ambitious targets that it has set itself as a business. The United Nations (UN) has set out sustainable development targets in its 2030 Agenda. All members of the UN – 193 countries worldwide – have committed to implement these targets, known as SDGs. Although the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are first and foremost intended for nation-states, the Koehler group, as a family business, firmly believes that it too has a role to play in meeting these targets. To this end, it has now published its 2030 sustainability strategy for the very first time, setting out the company’s roadmap to sustainable growth. The 2030 sustainability strategy sets out the Koehler plan to ensure all the financial, social, and environmental aspects of the Koehler Group come together to create a more sustainable future.

As the world grapples with the climate crisis and biodiversity loss, it’s time for bold, decisive action. The private sector plays a crucial role in advancing sustainability, not only within their own operations but also through support for responsible forestry initiatives. In our "Unite in the Forest Fight" blog series, this is the first of three articles that unpacks the importance of forests in our collective efforts against the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. The climate crisis and biodiversity loss are intertwined crises that demand urgent attention. The temperature rises signifies more than just a number – it’s the line between manageable challenges and catastrophe. While we can mitigate some effects at various temperatures, crossing the 1.5°C threshold reveals a tipping point we’re beginning to experience. However, it's not about doom and gloom; it's about recognizing the power we hold to make positive change. The path to a sustainable future is within reach, and the private sector plays a significant role.

The race to combat the climate crisis and biodiversity loss demands on credible action from businesses. In this second blog of the "Unite in the Forest Fight" series, we explore the importance of verified data to showcase tangible impact. Discover how supporting sustainable forestry can drive meaningful change and enhance your business’s reputation. Acting on the climate crisis and biodiversity loss not only boosts competitiveness and financial performance, but also demonstrates social responsibility, while earning customer loyalty and investor support. Regardless of your sector, your business must adopt a robust sustainability strategy to remain relevant. But a strategy alone isn’t enough. Making commitments without follow-through can be risky and may see support for the business dwindle. Added to this is the renewed sense of urgency to do more, faster, as scientists warn that we’re inching perilously closer to an increasingly uninhabitable Earth. The current trajectory suggests we will potentially exceed the 1.5°C temperature-increase limit outlined in the Paris Agreement1.

Proving you’re contributing to the world’s net-zero by 2050 goal is now a business imperative. In this third blog of the "Unite in the Forest Fight" series, we share how companies’ forest stewardship is unlocking tangible benefits with verified data. For far too long, the value of forests has been measured by the quantity of commercial products we can take from them. Unsustainable harvesting of timber, rubber, and other forest products are taking their toll, as is continued deforestation for expansion of agricultural land for livestock feed production, such as soy and, and for crops such as palm oil1. It’s no surprise that each year approximately 12 million hectares of forest are destroyed2. Traditionally, economic incentives have prioritized degradation and conversion at the expense of conservation, often neglecting the vital efforts of forest managers. Yet, as the world confronts the imperative of achieving a global net-zero by 2050, forest stewardship finally finds its rightful place in the spotlight.

Water is essential in the pulp and paper industry, which is why at Lecta we prioritize the efficient use of this valuable natural resource. Our mills have a high rate of water recycling, and the amount discharged is almost equal to the intake. Even though our outlet water is within regulated legal limits, we continue to work on improving water quality to reduce our environment footprint even further and constantly monitor waste disposal. In addition, in our mills there are also closed water systems, in which water is reused repeatedly. Lecta is ambitious in continuing to anticipate and carefully manage our water usage and consumption through increasingly efficient processes and water management strategies

American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear told members of the European Parliament that the international governing body should embrace realistic, achievable timelines to reduce emissions, rejecting California’s unrealistic and unreasonable timelines. “California’s development of the Advanced Clean Truck and Advanced Clean Fleet rules aim to create a zero-emission vehicle market beginning next year. Given where the technology, infrastructure, power grid, cost and operational requirements stand, these regulations will undoubtedly fail to deliver the vehicles and market adoption California seeks,” Spear said in his testimony. “California’s response is predictable: They will just adjust the timelines and percentage targets, unleashing even more uncertainty for the industry. This was the case for the passenger vehicle industry, and we expect history to repeat itself.” ATA has consistently called for unified regulations across all 50 states. Spear noted that next year, because of California’s extreme regulatory push, the industry will be forced to contend with dueling regulatory regimes – one for California and one for the other 49 states.

Domtar has partnered with PRINTING United Alliance to plant trees as a result of a special sustainability program for PRINTING United Expo 2023. For each registrant at the PRINTING United Expo, Domtar will plant two trees in coordination with local landowners. The event is being held Oct. 18-20 in Atlanta. The seedlings will be planted in early 2024. Participants will have a lasting effect on forestlands just by registering for the event. Last year, the event attracted around 30,000 participants. If participation stays on pace with 2022, more than 60,000 seedlings will be planted in partnership with small forest landowners who work with Domtar to manage their forests responsibly. “We’re delighted to collaborate with PRINTING United Alliance on this initiative, to highlight sustainable forestry and our ongoing efforts to support responsible stewardship of forestlands,” says Paige Goff, vice president of sustainability for Domtar.

The Washington Times recently featured an opinion piece by an advocate for the plastics industry that included multiple unsubstantiated environmental claims about paper-based packaging. Two Sides North America submitted the following letter to the editors in response. To the editors: Why is it that whenever someone wants to extoll the sustainability benefits of plastic packaging products, they feel compelled to claim that plastics have “a lower environmental impact” than paper-based packaging (America succumbs to plastic paranoia, September 26) instead of simply making a fact-based environmental case? Could it be because paper products are the gold standard for circularity and true sustainability?

Mondi is helping farmers grow their crops, having partnered with Cotesi to replace conventional plastic mulch film with a paper solution, Advantage Kraft Mulch. Mulching films protect crops from birds, weeds, soil erosion, sun and heavy rain. These films are traditionally made from plastic, rolled out during planting and then removed and disposed of at harvest. Mondi’s Advantage Kraft Mulch provides a sustainable paper alternative: the solution is made from 100% kraft paper, created from responsibly sourced wood, with no plastic or coating. Advantage Kraft Mulch is an industrially compostable paper solution certified according to DIN EN 13432 and provides a comparable level of protection as plastic mulch film. Field trials currently underway are promising: the kraft paper remains strong, inhibiting weed growth, and is expected to decompose after the harvesting season is finished.

The Group’s €5 million investment in the plant enables it to purify water to the highest standards before it can be returned to the environment. Purified water can also be partially reused in the process, further reducing water consumption by up to 90%. This innovative treatment also reduces electricity usage and CO2 emissions by up to 80%. This latest investment underscores Smurfit Kappa’s ongoing commitment to water stewardship and follows recent similar initiatives across its plants in Europe and the Americas. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, said: “Today is an important day for environmental protection in Belgrade and throughout Serbia. This is a day that represents a turning point for the sustainable development of our country. By 2025, all companies have a deadline for introducing wastewater treatment plants. Smurfit Kappa did this two years ahead of schedule by building the first industrial biological plant. This is an example of how all business people in Serbia should join the policy of sustainable development".

Pregis is committed to developing sustainable products, incorporating recycled and renewable resources, and designing for recyclability. In 2022, more than half of the company's revenue came from products defined as recyclable, reusable, or compostable (per the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board or SASB metrics). Pregis significantly advanced its mission to reduce emissions across its facilities last year, reporting a 20.9% reduction in emissions intensity from operations—nearing the 2030 target of a 25% reduction compared to the 2019 baseline. The company also reinforced its zero-waste ambition, successfully diverting 89% of solid waste from landfills and incineration due to robust internal and external recycling programs.

You may be familiar with forest management certification, the voluntary process in which an indeendent, accredited third-party auditor conducts an onsite assessment of forestland to determine the quality of forest management against established standards such as those developed by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®), Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification™ (PEFC™). Perhaps less familiar, but far more prevalent, is fiber sourcing certification. Around 90% of all forestland globally is not certified. For North American paper manufacturers who do not own their own forestland, this means they need a way to document that the wood they buy from non-certified forests is sourced responsibly. Certifying their wood and fiber procurement operations to a sustainable sourcing standard provides strong, proven mechanisms that enable responsible sourcing. The American Forest and Paper Association reports that of the total wood fiber from forests used for products, its members procure more than 99% through a certified fiber sourcing program.

Since its launch in April 2021, over 30 North American brands have used Carbon Balanced Paper to balance over 37 million pounds of CO2 and help protect 2,290 acres of critical forest habitat. The program funds four key projects, each one protecting a vast range of threatened animal and plant species. Find out more about each project and the vital work of World Land Trust and its local partners. Click Read More below to learn about the projects in Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Vietnam.

Since the campaign began in 2010, globally, Two Sides has successfully challenged over 1075 organisations that subject their customers to repeated greenwashing messages which are damaging to the paper, print and mailing industry. With huge pressures on the economy; banks, telecom providers, utility companies and even governmental organisations are increasingly focused on switching their customers from paper to digital services to cut costs. All too often their customer communications attempt to mask these cost-saving efforts, justifying the switch with unfounded environmental marketing appeals such as “Go Green – Go Paperless” and “Choose e-billing and help save a tree.” Recent consumer survey results from Two Sides 2023 ‘Trend Tracker’ report, reveals that 55% of European consumers believe environmental arguments from companies to switch to digital communications are misleading and are about reducing costs.

One of the most valuable aspects of being a Two Sides member is our range of resources. Using the latest facts, information and research from around the world, these resources help our industry tell consumers the true environmental impact of paper and paper packaging to dispel the many misconceptions about the industry. Whether it’s our Myths & Facts booklet, large collection of fact sheets and articles, or shareable videos and factographics, our members have a vast range of information at their fingertips, ready to communicate to colleagues, partners and customers. And remember, Two Sides members can have any of these resources personalised for their business using our new online personalisation tool. This will demonstrate your commitment to paper and clear understanding of its sustainability.