Billerud AB
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Reporting Period: 2013
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Functional and resource-efficient packaging solutions
- Renewable raw materials from sustainable forestry
- Environmentally adapted production
- Committed employees in safe workplaces
- Doing business responsibly
- Active role in the community
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced fossil CO2 emissions from manufacturing by 28%
- Reduced energy consumption per tonne of product by over 10%
- Reduced wastewater emissions for cleaning by over 30% (20 million m3) in Gävle
- Reduced emissions of organic material (COD) to the recipient water body by 25% (2,800 tonnes) in Gävle
Social Achievements
- Reached target for increasing the number of female employees and managers
- Reached target for reducing work-related accidents leading to sick leave
- Increased proportion of employees covered by cooperation in formal groupings (collaboration councils, safety committees, safety groups) to 89%
Governance Achievements
- Implemented new core values
- Implemented new policies on anti-corruption and competitiveness
- Established a diversity group to coordinate work on diversity issues
Climate Goals & Targets
- Phase out fossil fuels from production
- Achieve zero work-related accidents leading to sick leave
- Reduce emissions of fossil CO2 in industry to 30 kg/tonne product by 2020
- Increase proportion of female employees and managers
- Achieve zero work-related accidents leading to sick leave
- Increase proportion of sales accounted for by new products to 20%
- Reduce energy consumption per tonne of product by approximately 2%
- Increase number of suppliers visited and audited to 15
Environmental Challenges
- Managing development with a broad scope of sustainability
- Meeting stricter limits on emissions to water and air (EU Industrial Emissions Directive)
- Addressing food waste in the supply chain
- Reducing emissions from transport
Mitigation Strategies
- Sustainability strategy with six focus areas and measurable targets
- Developing strategies to meet stricter emission limits, potentially involving new investments
- Developing smart, functional packaging solutions to reduce waste
- Prioritizing transport solutions with low emissions, increasing rail transport, and collaborating with transporters to minimize emissions
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 10 suppliers audited in 2013
Responsible Procurement
- Risk analyses
- Supplier evaluations
- Assessments of natural assets
- Code of Conduct
- UN Global Compact principles
- Purchasing policy
- Supplier evaluation model (to be implemented in 2014)
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products
- Replacing plastic packaging with renewable paper-based materials
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI G4
Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 (plants outside Sweden)
Third-party Assurance: Ernst & Young AB
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- SoliQ™ Air paper-board
- FibreForm®
- Tetra Recart
Awards & Recognition
- PIDA – BillerudKorsnäs Packaging Design Award
- SPICE (Sustainable Packaging & Innovation Communication Event)
- UK Packaging Awards (Innovation of the Year)
- WWF Environmental Paper Company Index 2013 (recognized for leadership in transparency)
- Supplier of the Year (Holcim)
Reporting Period: 2015
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Sustainability
- Innovation
- Climate Change
- Responsible Value Chain
Environmental Achievements
- BillerudKorsnäs’ emissions of fossil CO2 from production fell by 9% in 2015
- New Billerud Flute® improved the material’s strength by up to 8%, enabling customers to manufacture equally strong boxes with considerably less material use.
- Developed a new type of barrier for liquid packaging board that is CO2 neutral, resulting in a significant lower carbon footprint (e.g., 28% less CO2 for the combiblocSlimline 1000 ml format).
Social Achievements
- Increased the number of development projects by 25%
- Doubled the number of employees in research and development
- Launched a diversity and inclusion initiative
Governance Achievements
- Established new financial targets for 2016 onwards based on growing stability in underlying results.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Long-term target for organic growth of 3–4% per year
- 20% of turnover will be generated by new products by 2020
Environmental Challenges
- Disruptions to production following complex rebuilds and expansions, particularly evident during Q4 in Frövi.
- Closure of non-integrated production in Tervasaari, Finland.
Mitigation Strategies
- Limiting the number of major investments in 2016 to allow those already implemented to reach planned capacity and performance levels.
- More meticulous investment planning and developing the partnership with contractors.
- Investigating the possibility of moving the machine from Tervasaari to Skärblacka to improve efficiency.
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI G4
Third-party Assurance: Externally audited
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- New Billerud Flute®
- FibreForm®
- Axello Zap
- D-Sack
Awards & Recognition
- Gold rating by EcoVadis (two consecutive years)
- CDP’s A List
Reporting Period: 2016
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Sustainable forestry
- Climate change
- Resource efficiency
- Workplace safety
- Diversity and inclusion
- Responsible supply chain
- Customer value creation
- Innovation
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced water consumption by 35% at Beetham production unit
- Axello ZAP packaging system launched, producing 65% less CO2 emissions than equivalent plastic packaging
- 97.5% renewable bio-energy used in production
- Improved environmental situation at Swedish paper mills over 50 years
Social Achievements
- Increased employee commitment according to employee survey
- 1512 weeks of work experience provided to young people and migrants
- Participation in UN Global Compact
- Gold rating by EcoVadis for sustainability
Governance Achievements
- Compliance with Swedish Code of Corporate Governance
- Implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process
- Establishment of a whistleblower function
Climate Goals & Targets
- Fossil-free production
- Increase proportion of certified wood raw material
- Achieve 20% sales from new products
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport
- Reduce water consumption
- Reduce fossil CO2 emissions
Environmental Challenges
- Production disruptions affecting growth and availability
- Meeting growing sustainability standards
- Increased competition in the packaging market
- Political and regulatory risks
- Establishing in new markets
- Product safety issues
- Effective implementation of strategic plans
- Energy price risk
- Environmental impact and license renewal
- Customer dependence and credit risk
- Financial risks (currency, interest rate, credit)
Mitigation Strategies
- Intensive work to ensure maximum production availability
- Investments in production structure to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability
- Expansion in the value chain to offer total packaging solutions
- Dialogue with decision-makers and participation in industry associations
- Process for establishing in new markets, including risk assessment and local expertise
- Quality controls and insurance to manage product safety risks
- Ongoing development process for Group strategies
- Electricity self-sufficiency, hedging, and energy efficiency measures
- Certified environmental management systems, dialogue with authorities
- Diversification of customer base, credit control guidelines, insurance
- Currency hedging, interest rate derivatives, credit risk management
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 60.7% of purchasing value covered by supplier assessment in 2014-2016
Responsible Procurement
- Compliance with BillerudKorsnäs’ Code of Conduct and international standards
- Supplier assessment process
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI G4, Core level
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, FSC®, PEFC™
Third-party Assurance: KPMG
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- 8, 12, 13, 14, 15
BillerudKorsnäs' business aligns with these SDGs through its sustainability targets
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Axello ZAP packaging
- New Billerud Flute
- BillerudKorsnäs White cartonboard
Awards & Recognition
- Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Index
- CDP Climate A List
- EcoVadis Gold rating
- Pentawards gold and bronze awards
Reporting Period: 2017
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Responsible value chain
- Increased customer value
- Sustainable and bio-based society
Environmental Achievements
- 97.2% biofuel used in own operations
- Emissions from transport of wood raw material and finished products continued to fall
- Improved climate performance of 15% compared with the previous year’s EPD (Environmental Product Declarations)
Social Achievements
- Number of female employees increased in line with the target
- Number of work-related accidents fell to 1.4 per 100 employees
- 248 young people and newly arrived migrants carried out a total of 1 324 weeks of work experience
Governance Achievements
- No complaints about breaches of human rights or incidents involving discrimination or corruption were reported
- No significant fines or other sanctions due to breaches of the law were imposed on the company in 2017
- Implementation of a new Group-wide pay survey process
Climate Goals & Targets
- In 2050, emissions of greenhouse gases from BillerudKorsnäs’ production and purchased energy are to be at least 74% lower than in 2016.
- In 2050, emissions of greenhouse gases from sources not owned or controlled by BillerudKorsnäs are to be at least 70% lower than in 2016.
- In 2030, emissions of greenhouse gases from BillerudKorsnäs’ production and purchased energy are to be at least 59% lower than in 2016.
- In 2030, emissions of greenhouse gases from sources not owned or controlled by BillerudKorsnäs are to be at least 30% lower than in 2016.
- Proportion of purchasing value with supplier assessment: 72.0% per three-year cycle
- Number of private forest owners certified through BillerudKorsnäs: 160
Environmental Challenges
- Unplanned stoppages that occurred during the year impacting production stability and availability
- Recurring disruptions to production and availability problems
- The target for climate targets was not met, partly due to the clear correlation between the lack of production stability and emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels
Mitigation Strategies
- Three initiatives aimed at safeguarding availability and quality: stronger organization focusing on health and safety, production stability, and product quality
- Major investments in strengthening the Group-wide functions by adding more resources and skills
- Internal initiatives to map energy use and implement energy-saving measures
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 337 suppliers evaluated (70.2% of purchasing value over a three-year period)
Responsible Procurement
- Compliance with BillerudKorsnäs’ Code of Conduct and international standards
- Supplier evaluation process including risks of modern slavery
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards
Certifications: ISO 90001, ISO 14001
Third-party Assurance: Externally audited
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 8
- SDG 12
- SDG 13
- SDG 14
- SDG 15
BillerudKorsnäs has the greatest opportunity to influence SDGs 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15, which can be linked to existing activities and targets within BillerudKorsnäs.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- QuickFill Clean cement sacks
- Sterikraft® Protect AR medical paper
- Axello Kraft sugar packaging
- D-Sack compostable cement sack
Reporting Period: 2018
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate change
- Forestry
- Recycling
- Workplace safety
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Supplier responsibility
- Responsible business conduct
Environmental Achievements
- Reached 96.7% renewable bioenergy in production
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from transport of wood raw material and finished products to 11.8 g per tonne km (target 18.6 g/tonne km)
- Launched climate-positive D-Sack® for cement
- Achieved 100% biodiversity index for nature conservation measures
- Increased number of group-certified forest owners to 175 (target 160)
Social Achievements
- Improved gender balance, with 23.1% female employees (target 22.5%)
- Reduced lost time injuries per million worked hours (LTIFR) to 7.2 (target 5.8)
- Implemented Sustainable Leadership programme
- Launched diversity and inclusion action plan
- Offered 1070 weeks of work experience (target 1500)
Governance Achievements
- Implemented new organisational structure with three divisions
- Established a Group-wide safety framework
- Updated whistleblower system
- Conducted 79 supplier audits in Asia (38 new suppliers), with no serious breaches of zero-tolerance policies
Climate Goals & Targets
- Net zero emissions by 2050
- Reduce total greenhouse gas emissions from production and purchased energy by 59% by 2030 and 74% by 2050 (base year 2016)
- Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from sources not owned or controlled by BillerudKorsnäs by 30% by 2030 and 70% by 2050 (base year 2016)
- Reduce energy consumption to 5.20 MWh/tonne product by 2020 and 5.10 MWh/tonne product by 2023 (base year 2013)
- Reduce emissions of fossil CO2 in the manufacturing process to 30.0 kg/tonne product by 2020 and 25.0 kg/tonne product by 2023 (base year 2013)
- Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from transport of wood raw material and finished products to 17.5 g/tonne km by 2020 and 17.0 g/tonne km by 2023 (base year 2016)
- Reduce accidents resulting in absence per million hours worked (LTIFR) to 4.3 by 2019, 3.2 by 2020, and 1.5 by 2023
- Increase proportion of women in total to 24% by 2019, 25% by 2020, and 28% by 2023
- Increase proportion of female managers to 24% by 2019, 25% by 2020, and 29% by 2023
- Increase proportion of purchasing value covered by supplier assessment to 73% by 2019, 75% by 2020, and 80% by 2023
- Increase number of group-certified forest owners to 180 by 2019, 200 by 2020
Environmental Challenges
- Production disruptions and start-up problems
- Wood shortages due to high demand and extreme weather
- Higher raw material costs (fibre and chemicals)
- Overshooting target for fossil carbon dioxide emissions due to production disruptions and biofuel shortages
- Increased competition in existing markets
Mitigation Strategies
- Production Excellence programme to improve efficiency
- Acquisition of Bergvik Skog Öst AB to secure wood supply
- Pilot study to evaluate fossil-free alternatives and necessary investments
- Continuous improvement of competitiveness through efficiency efforts and enhanced production structure
- Market analysis to inform development decisions
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 129 suppliers assessed in 2018 (76.6% of purchasing value in three-year cycle); 79 audits in Asia
Responsible Procurement
- Compliance with BillerudKorsnäs’ Code of Conduct, international standards, and legislation
- Supplier assessment process
- Focus on social aspects for employees (labour law, freedom of association, working hours, pay, safety)
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather (heavy snowfalls, extreme heat, forest fires)
- Wood shortages
Transition Risks
- Changes in consumer preferences
- Regulatory changes (e.g., plastic bans)
- Increased competition
Opportunities
- Increased demand for renewable packaging materials
- Development of sustainable products (e.g., paper bottles, paper batteries)
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards
Certifications: ISO 90001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001 (Swedish units)
Third-party Assurance: Externally audited
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 8
- SDG 12
- SDG 13
- SDG 14
- SDG 15
Existing goals and activities are linked to specific sub-goals within SDGs 8, 12, 13, 14, and 15.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- D-Sack®
- Axello ZAP
- FibreForm®
- Paper bottles (in development)
- Paper battery (in development)
Awards & Recognition
- Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (industry leader in Containers & Packaging)
- CDP Forests A List
- EcoVadis Gold rating
- Carton of the Year and Save the Planet awards
Reporting Period: 2019
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate impact
- Materials for the future
- Sustainable innovation
- Safety first
- Sustainable wood supply
- Responsible supply chain
- Engaging workplaces
- Resource-efficient production
- Community engagement
- Responsible business
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced total greenhouse gas emissions from production and purchased energy by 3% (target 59% by 2030)
- 96.8% renewable bioenergy use in production
- Launched several sustainable products (Pure Performance, Xpression E-Com, Repel Pure, FibreForm, etc.)
- Developed a paper bottle in a joint venture with ALPLA
Social Achievements
- Rolled out Sustainable Leadership program
- Employee engagement index of 78%
- Conducted 82 supplier audits in Managed Packaging, with no serious breaches of zero-tolerance issues
- Provided 1206 weeks of work experience through internships
Governance Achievements
- Adopted a Supplier Code of Conduct
- Established a whistleblower system (Speak-Up Line), handling 8 cases in 2019
- Updated the steering document framework to improve accountability and mandates
- Completed a risk assessment of exposure to international sanctions
Climate Goals & Targets
- [object Object]
- Reduce total greenhouse gas emissions from production and purchased energy by 59% by 2030
- Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from sources not owned or controlled by BillerudKorsnäs by 30% by 2030
- Achieve 75% rail transport of products from production plants by 2030
- Ramp up production on KM7
- Ensure safe and stable production
- Strengthen profits and efficiency
Environmental Challenges
- Higher raw material costs
- Start-up effects of the new board machine at Gruvön (KM7)
- Weakening market for sack paper and certain grades of kraft paper
- Production disruptions
- COVID-19 pandemic
Mitigation Strategies
- Cost reduction and efficiency program (SEK 600 million savings by 2021)
- Initiatives to ensure safe and stable production
- Focus on delivering from recently completed investments
- Strong balance sheet and position in resilient market segments
- Contingency plans for COVID-19
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 122 suppliers assessed in 2019, 82 audits in Managed Packaging
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct
- FSC® and PEFC™ Chain of Custody standards
- EcoVadis assessments
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Flooding (UK production unit)
Transition Risks
- Availability and price of raw materials
- Price of purchased energy
- Market and technology shifts
- Cost of greenhouse gas emissions trading and taxes
Opportunities
- Increased demand for low-carbon fiber-based products
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001 (Swedish plants), ISO 22000 (Beetham plant)
Third-party Assurance: Externally audited
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 7
- Goal 8
- Goal 9
- Goal 12
- Goal 13
- Goal 14
- Goal 15
The report details how initiatives contribute to these goals throughout the value chain.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Pure Performance
- Xpression E-Com
- Repel Pure
- FibreForm
- Paper bottle
- U-Bend Straw
Awards & Recognition
- Industry leader in Containers & Packaging (Dow Jones)
- Listed on Dow Jones Sustainability World Index
- Second place in Dieline Awards (Plastic-Free category)
Reporting Period: 2020
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Safety
- Climate impact
- Materials for the future
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced CO2 emissions (Scope 1 & 2) by 10% since 2016
- Total positive climate effect estimated at 5.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents
Social Achievements
- Launched a digital life cycle assessment tool to show customers the amount of carbon dioxide emissions and water used during the lifespan of packaging
- Maintained leading position in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the third year in a row
Governance Achievements
- Updated the Code of Conduct to make its content clearer with a focus on expectations and guidance for employees
- Carried out a company-wide risk assessment of the Group’s corruption risks
Climate Goals & Targets
- Reduce greenhouse gases (Scope 1 and 2) by 59% by 2030
- Reduce greenhouse gases (Scope 3) by 30% by 2030
- Net zero emissions by 2050
- Realize the majority of currently visible growth and profit opportunities by 2025
- Reduce accident rate
- Increase customer satisfaction
- Commercial ramp-up of new board machine at Gruvön
- Achieve additional SEK 315 million in annual run-rate savings by the end of 2021
Environmental Challenges
- Challenging market conditions in certain product segments (lower market prices)
- Unacceptably high accident rate
- Increased competition for wood supply
- Regulations on single-use packaging
- COVID-19 pandemic
Mitigation Strategies
- Reduced raw material costs and efficiency measures
- Implemented a cost and efficiency programme (SEK 335 million in structural savings)
- Implemented a new organizational structure to pave the way for increased efficiency
- Precautionary measures to prevent the spread of infection and to secure operations and deliveries
- Postponed and successfully completed maintenance shutdowns in the autumn
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 320 (Group purchasing) + 42 (Managed Packaging) in 2020
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct (based on international standards and frameworks, including the UN Global Compact)
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Flooding (UK production unit)
Transition Risks
- Availability and price of raw materials
- Price of purchased energy
- Market and technology shifts
Opportunities
- Shift in customer preference toward low-carbon fiber-based products
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards: Core option
Third-party Assurance: Externally audited
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 8
- Goal 9
- Goal 12
- Goal 13
- Goal 14
- Goal 15
The report details how BillerudKorsnäs' initiatives contribute to these goals through its sustainability targets.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Pure Performance white top kraftliner
- Recyclable Flow Wrap
- FibreForm® reusable carrier bags
- Xpression E-com paper for e-commerce bags
- Paper-based bottles (Paboco®)
Awards & Recognition
- Dow Jones Sustainability Index Industry Leader (Containers & Packaging category)
Reporting Period: 2021
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Safety
- Climate impact
- Materials of the future
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced CO2 emissions (scopes 1 & 2) by 13% points since 2016; 3% points in 2021. Achieved a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions from secondary packaging for Oatly.
- 97% renewable bioenergy used in production.
Social Achievements
- Launched PureDecorX™, a new coated three-layer white kraftliner.
- Launched two new low grammages of CrownBoard Prestige® cartonboard.
- Reduced lost time injuries per million hours worked for own employees and contractors to 6.4.
Governance Achievements
- Updated Code of Conduct launched and implemented.
- New long-term strategy unveiled.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Net zero emissions by 2050.
- Zero greenhouse gas emissions from outgoing transport by 2050.
- All integrated mills to have fossil-free production by 2030.
- 75% of land transport by rail by 2030.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 59% by 2030.
- Reduce accidents per million hours worked to 5.0 by 2022.
Environmental Challenges
- Production disruptions at Gävle mill due to equipment damage and poor water quality.
- Increased competition for wood raw materials.
- Higher costs for energy, chemicals, and transport due to the war in Ukraine.
Mitigation Strategies
- Investments in mill maintenance and development (SEK 1.5–1.7 billion annually).
- Investment in a new soda recovery boiler at Frövi mill (SEK 2.6 billion).
- Development of alternative sourcing strategies for wood.
- Focus on mix, efficiencies, and price management to counteract cost inflation.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 382 suppliers assessed for Group purchasing; 51 supplier audits conducted in Managed Packaging.
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct based on international standards and frameworks.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Flooding, water shortages
Transition Risks
- Policy changes impacting wood raw material availability and price; changes in purchased energy price; market and technology shifts.
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products and processes.
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards: Core option
Certifications: FSSC 22000 (all mills)
Third-party Assurance:
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 8
- Goal 9
- Goal 12
- Goal 13
- Goal 14
- Goal 15
The report details how BillerudKorsnäs' initiatives contribute to these goals.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- CrownBoard Prestige®, PureDecorX™, FibreForm®, Xpression E-com
Awards & Recognition
- Climate Prize from Tetra Pak; included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the fifth consecutive year.
Reporting Period: 2022
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Safety
- Climate impact
- Materials for the future
- Sustainable wood supply
- Responsible supply chain
- Engaging workplaces
- Resource-efficient production
- Community engagement
- Responsible business
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced fossil CO2 emissions in European production by 9% to 27.7 kg/tonne product
- Installed a new electrical back-up steam boiler at Gruvön, reducing CO2e emissions by 8,000-9,000 tonnes per year compared to 2020 levels.
- All European packaging materials are recyclable according to the PTS method.
Social Achievements
- Launched Sustainable Leadership training in North America.
- Launched Sustainable Employees program.
- Donated SEK 5 million to UNHCR to support Ukrainian refugees.
Governance Achievements
- Implemented the responsible business compliance programme, employee Code of Conduct and Supplier Code of Conduct, “Speak-Up Line” and related measures in North America.
- Updated Supplier Code of Conduct.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Net zero emissions by 2050.
- Reduce total emissions in Scope 1 and 2 by 59% (Europe) by 2030.
- Reduce total emissions in Scope 3 by 30% (Europe) by 2030.
- Increase outbound land transports by rail to 75% by 2030.
- 95% of supplier spend with signed Supplier Code of Conduct documents by the end of 2025.
- Reduce water usage by 2030.
- Increase risk observations to at least 3.6 per employee in European operations by 2023.
- Achieve LTIFR under 1.5 (Europe).
Environmental Challenges
- Slight increase in lost time injuries in European operations.
- Increased energy prices in Europe due to the war in Ukraine.
- Supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and sanctions against Russia.
- Higher costs for wood, energy and chemicals, particularly in Europe.
Mitigation Strategies
- Increased risk observations, safety walks, and key safety performance audits.
- Launched a new three-year efficiency enhancement programme targeting SEK 1.5 billion EBITDA uplift by the end of 2025.
- Focusing on price and mix management to mitigate negative effects of challenging market conditions and cost inflation.
- Scaling up the purchase of CO2e Emission Free Energy Credits (EFECs) to cover 100% of purchased electricity by 2024.
- Implementing energy efficiency projects (e.g., recovery of warm water).
- Replacing fossil fuels with biofuel.
- Improving the use of internally generated biofuels and efficiency of recovery boiler, waste fuel boilers, and lime kiln.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 399 suppliers assessed (Europe), 47 audits (Managed Packaging)
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Flooding
- Water shortages
- Other disruptions
Transition Risks
- Climate and policy changes impacting wood raw material and energy prices
- Market shifts
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products
- Bio-CCS
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards: Core option
Certifications: ISO 45001 (in progress for European mills), FSSC 22000 (all European mills)
Third-party Assurance: Externally assured
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Xpression E-Com
- Xpression E-Com AutoPack
- Xpression Wrap
- Performance White Barrier
- Paboco paper bottle
Awards & Recognition
- Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (sixth year in a row)
- Karriärföretag (Career Company) (fourth year in a row)
- 4potentials (ranked #33)
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate impact
- Safety first
- Materials for the future
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced direct and indirect GHG emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 16% and 13% respectively.
- Inaugurated a new recovery boiler at Frövi mill, running entirely on biofuel.
- 60% of purchased electricity in North America covered by EFECs, reducing emissions from fossil fuels.
- Increased outbound land transports conducted by rail to 70% in Europe.
Social Achievements
- Not disclosed
Governance Achievements
- Not disclosed
Climate Goals & Targets
- Net zero emissions by 2050.
- Zero greenhouse gas emissions from outgoing transports by 2050.
- Reduce direct and indirect GHG emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 42% by 2030.
- Reduce indirect GHG emissions (scope 3) by 25% by 2030.
- Increase outbound land transports conducted by rail to 75% by 2030 (Europe).
- Reduce water usage by 1% by the end of 2024.
- Reduce wastewater flow to water treatment plant by 10% by 2030 (Sweden).
Environmental Challenges
- Remaining emissions from North American operations (28% fossil fuel-based energy consumption).
- Emissions from chemicals and transport.
- Price increase in wood and pulp due to increased demand and physical risks (pest infections, droughts, forest fires).
- Operational interruptions due to physical climate effects (flooding, water shortages).
Mitigation Strategies
- Phasing out coal and tire-derived fuel from North American operations.
- Substituting fossil fuel with biofuel.
- Purchasing CO2e Emission Free Energy Credits (EFECs).
- Working closely with suppliers to reduce emissions from chemicals.
- Encouraging transition to a fossil fuel-free fleet.
- Reducing and consolidating terminals and vehicle transports in downstream transports.
- Optimizing value chain and building long-term relationships with wood suppliers.
- Implementing climate adaptation measures (minimizing rutting damages, site-adapted forestry management).
- Preventive actions to reduce risk of operational interruptions.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 97.9% of wood suppliers in Europe signed Supplier Code of Conduct; 42.2% in North America.
Responsible Procurement
- Billerud’s Supplier Code of Conduct
- FSC® Controlled Wood, PEFC Controlled Sources
- EUTR and US Lacey Act compliance
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather
- Drought
- Flooding
- Forest fires
- Pest infections
- Water shortages
Transition Risks
- Policy and legislation changes
- Changing market demand
- Increased demand for wood as a resource for energy, materials and carbon storage
Opportunities
- Increased demand for bio-based products
- Demand for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture and usage (CCU)
- Increased focus on production efficiency
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), TCFD, CDP, GRI, EU Taxonomy
Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 50001, FSC®, PEFC, SFI®, FSSC 22000
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Recyclable Flow Wrap
Awards & Recognition
- Not disclosed