Austrian forest certification system submitted for assessment

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, has joined the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), a global organization committed to accelerating the transition to a sustainable world. By becoming a member of WBCSD, Ahlstrom will collaborate with some of the world’s most forward-thinking companies to further the global sustainability agenda. Together, Ahlstrom and WBCSD aim to tackle urgent environmental issues, including climate change, the need for clean air and water, decarbonization, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution. “At Ahlstrom, we are committed to being part of the solution to global sustainability challenges. We believe that sustainability is a complex journey that requires collaboration to drive meaningful change. Our purpose, ‘Purify and Protect with Every Fiber for a Sustainable World,’ guides our efforts to innovate fiber-based solutions that are safe and sustainable by design,” says Helen Mets, President & CEO of Ahlstrom.

Christmas is round the corner. Time for us to head into town, to a Christmas market or to see the festive lights. But what city square would be complete without a Christmas tree? “These stunning trees, several meters tall and often over a hundred years old, are certainly special,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International. “And thanks to PEFC certification, we can all rest assured that these giants come from sustainably managed forests that will produce such trees for generations to come.” Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM has newly adopted the target of doubling the amount of broadleaved trees growing in company-owned forests in Finland. In the light of current research data, increasing the proportion of broadleaved trees improves the forest’s growth and yield as well as its species diversity and resistance to climate change. UPM plans to increase the proportion of broadleaved trees to one fifth of all tree species growing in habitats that are suitable for birch. The dominant tree species growing in Finnish forests are typically pine and spruce. The decision to increase broadleaved trees is an important and timely move. “It makes sense from every angle. It will improve our yield capacity and also safeguard biodiversity. It will additionally ensure that our forests stay healthy and better equipped to resist the altered conditions caused by climate change. In the multi-purpose forestry sector, we strongly rely on native tree species,” says Sauli Brander, SVP, UPM Forest.