Today we celebrate United Nation´s International Day of Forests.
Forest sustainable management and their use of resources are key to combating climate change. Forests store massive amount of carbon and provide important ecosystem services upon which life on Earth depends. The world´s forests house more than 50% of the world´s plant and animal species, and they are known as storehouses of biodiversity. Forests also play an important role in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Finland is one of the world’s cleanest and greenest country as stated by Global Environmental Performance Index. Forests cover roughly 75% of Finland’s land area. The forest has always played an important part in the Nordics people lives. It has provided food, livelihood, and shelter. Since birth, we Nordic people create a special connection with forest. We take care of the forest, and the forest takes care of us.
The climate of Finland has characteristics of long, cold winters and nightless nights during the summer. Our climate and soil provide a very special breeding ground for the trees, as they naturally must go through different variations, such as seasons. Thanks to this, our trees are rich in nutrients. Wood grown in the Finnish wilderness is the ultimate choice of raw material. For example, Nordic birch has been used for hundreds for years as a natural remedy to sooth and heal the skin for its natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties.
At Innomost we believe in circular economy and use wooden side-streams to make a more sustainable world. We collaborate with Metsä Group, a major Finnish forest industry company and one of the largest birch wood processors in Europe. Metsä Group is also one of Innomost´s main investors. Circular economy forms the base for Metsä Group´s operations; every production side stream is valuable. The forests are managed sustainably, and every part of the tree is used as efficiently as possible. Sustainable forest management practices ensure that different aspects of sustainability are considered, and the use does not exceed the rate of growth. The origin of wood is known, and the chain of custody certification provides the proof that origin, legality, and sustainability are realized throughout the supply chain.
“ Our raw material originates from certified Nordic forests, not from lands that could be used for food or feed. By replacing fossil and palm-oil based ingredients with wooden side streams, we can do our part in slowing down climate change.” comments Sami Selkälä, Founder and CEO of Innomost.
Our aim is to minimize the carbon footprint at all stages of production by utilizing environmentally friendly and innovative solutions. For example, wood raw material left over from production is recycled into bioenergy for the needs of the production plant. Also, the waste heat from production is utilized to increase energy efficiency, by heating production buildings. According to the preliminary LCA-calculations, Innomost´s products have very low and even negative carbon footprint.
Conserving and sustainably using forests is one of the best ways of protecting our planet. Together we can make a positive impact for a sustainable world.
