Finland’s Pulp and Paper Industry Cuts Fossil CO₂ Emissions by 85% Since 1990

Finland’s pulp and paper industry has reduced fossil carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 85% since 1990 and cut the amount of waste sent to landfill by around 97% since 1992, according to long-term environmental performance data provided in the industry report.

Fossil CO₂ emissions fell from 5.88 million tonnes in 1990 to approximately 0.90 million tonnes in 2025. The reduction reflects improvements in energy efficiency and the replacement of fossil fuels with bioenergy. Both total emissions and emissions relative to production declined by around 85% over the period.

The industry spent approximately €224 million on environmental protection in 2025, including €102 million in investments and €122 million in operating costs. Total environmental expenditure exceeded €1.2 billion over the five years to 2025.

Air pollution has also decreased significantly. Particulate emissions relative to production fell by approximately 90% since 1992, while emissions of malodorous sulphur compounds declined by 97%. Sulphur emissions also dropped substantially over the period.

Nitrogen oxide emissions remain a challenge. Emissions relative to production decreased by approximately 31% since 1992, a smaller reduction than that achieved for several other air pollutants.

Landfill waste falls to 29,400 tonnes

The amount of waste sent to landfill dropped to approximately 29,400 tonnes in 2025, down 29.4% from the previous year. In 1992, the corresponding figure was approximately 937,000 tonnes, representing a long-term reduction of around 97%.

The overall utilisation rate of production side streams reached 96%, excluding wood waste, as more materials were directed towards beneficial uses rather than disposal.

Water emissions continue to decline

Water protection indicators also show substantial long-term improvements. Emissions of adsorbable organic halides (AOX) relative to production decreased by more than 90% since 1991. Phosphorus emissions fell by approximately 84%, while chemical oxygen demand (COD) decreased by around 72% since 1992.

Wastewater volumes and nitrogen emissions relative to production also declined by more than half.

The industry’s environmental performance has improved through technological development, wastewater treatment, process efficiency and sustained investment. However, further reductions in difficult-to-control emissions and more efficient use of materials remain priorities.

The figures for 2025 indicate continued progress in reducing the sector’s environmental impact, while highlighting the need for further development of cost-effective environmental solutions.