Riikka Joukio appointed Metsä Group’s SVP, Climate and Circular Economy

The SFI Annual Conference brings together thought leaders and influencers from the forest products industry, conservation and community partners, tribal and Indigenous leaders as well as some of the most engaged forest product customers in North America. This year’s conference will discuss topics of relevance to the American, Canadian and International forest sectors, so mark your calendars and come to the 2019 SFI Annual Conference and please bring a customer or a friend. Check back soon for conference updates.

Earlier this year, BillerudKorsnäs combined with Verso Corporation to create Billerud, a world leading paper and packaging materials company based in Sweden with roots in the forest and paper industry that go beyond 150 years. “One year ago, we developed a strategic plan with a clear goal of achieving profitable and sustainable growth long term by expanding our cartonboard business in North America,” says Billerud President and CEO Christoph Michalski. “We were pleased to find Verso, a leading paper manufacturer in the US, with assets that can be turned into paperboard”. “By converting some of legacy Verso’s assets into premium cartonboard machines, Billerud will increase its supply of high-quality and low carbon-footprint cartonboard for end uses such as cosmetics, pharma and healthcare, luxury drinks and confectionary products, among others, to meet the increasing need for more sustainable packaging materials in North America and beyond,” says President of Billerud North America Rob Kreizenbeck. Sustainable packaging is no longer optional. It’s a must for any brand that wants to future-proof its business.

Stakeholders from around the world are invited to give feedback on the regional forest certification system for the Congo Basin. Deadline for comments is 1 April. Give your feedback now! Our national members for Cameroon, Congo and Gabon joined forces under the name of PAFC Congo Basin to develop this regional certification system – the first regional system submitted to PEFC for endorsement. The system is now undergoing the PEFC assessment process, carried out by an independent PEFC Registered Assessor. It must pass this process and be approved by the PEFC General Assembly before it can achieve endorsement.