Metsä Group will introduce nature compensation in its environmental deviations

Developing a much stronger presence in South America to better communicate the benefits of forest certification to forest owners, companies and consumers - this is the objective of the first PEFC South American Regional Workshop. The workshop, which will take place from 20-24 April 2015 in Montevideo, Uruguay, will bring together South American based PEFC organizations and external stakeholders to assess opportunities for identifying potential synergies and improving collaboration and coordination, and to develop strategies to improve market demand and access for PEFC-certified products.

Crown Holdings, Inc. has achieved an "A-" ranking (on a scale from A-F) for the climate change strategy outlined in its first annual CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) submission. This program cycle's evaluation included a total of 2,449 companies globally, with the average program ranking being a "C." Crown's submission reflects data collected from the Company's operations across 40 countries for the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. Crown's ranking places the Company in the "Leadership" tier, the highest level that can be attained. This achievement is based on the Company's excellent performance in the following categories: Governance and Strategy, Risk and Opportunity Management and Emissions Management.

An environmental violation was discovered at a Stora Enso harvesting site on Thursday 15 August, in Kainuu, Finland. The violation is being investigated as a serious nature conservation crime. Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of Stora Enso, says the Company took immediate action as soon as it became aware of the violation: "It is important that the negligence at Hukkajoki river in Kainuu came to light. Even the best rule and the most important principle is worthless if it is not applied in practice. We have already initiated a number of changes to ensure that nothing like this can happen again," says Hans Sohlström. Stora Enso has suspended harvesting in all areas throughout Finland where there are restrictions under the Water Act, the Forest Act or the Nature Conservation Act. Harvesting has been suspended until the operational guidelines, harvesting plans and risks related to these sites have been reassessed. Any non-compliance that may be detected will be assessed in cooperation with the authorities.