Pankaboard Publishes 2025 Sustainability Report Highlighting Climate Progress, Circular Economy Leadership, and Sustainable Packaging Innovation

Pankaboard has released its fifth Sustainability Report, showcasing significant progress in environmental performance, responsible sourcing, operational excellence, and sustainable packaging innovation during 2025.

As a producer of fresh fibre-based specialty cartonboards certified for food contact applications, Pankaboard continues to integrate sustainability into every aspect of its business strategy and daily operations. The report outlines the company's achievements and future commitments across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities.

Advancing Climate Action

Pankaboard continues to reduce its environmental footprint through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy utilization, and low-carbon product development. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results show a substantial reduction in carbon footprint per produced tonne of cartonboard, decreasing from 681 kg CO₂e in 2021 to 383 kg CO₂e in 2025.

The company has also completed a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, covering Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions.

Driving Circular Economy Solutions

Circularity remains a core principle of Pankaboard's operations. The company maintains a zero-landfill approach for production waste, ensuring that production side streams are reused, recycled, or recovered for energy. Internal waste streams are utilized in an on-site biofuel plant that generates steam required for cartonboard drying, creating an efficient closed-loop energy system.

Supporting Sustainable Packaging Transition

Pankaboard's renewable and recyclable cartonboard products are well positioned to support the packaging industry's transition toward more sustainable solutions. The company continues to prepare for the upcoming European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), viewing the regulation as both a compliance requirement and a catalyst for innovation.

"Our products are designed to meet evolving market expectations and regulatory requirements while helping customers achieve their sustainability goals," said Pasi Piiparinen, CEO of Pankaboard.

Responsible Sourcing and Traceability

All wood-based raw materials used by Pankaboard are fully traceable and sourced through certified supply chains. The company maintains PEFC and FSC® chain-of-custody certifications and applies strict supplier requirements through its Supplier Code of Conduct.

Pankaboard also continues preparations for future compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), ensuring robust traceability throughout its value chain.

Protecting Water Resources

Water stewardship remains a priority. Process water is sourced from the Lieksanjoki River, treated for production use, and subsequently purified through a multi-stage wastewater treatment process before being safely returned to the river. Continuous monitoring and collaboration with environmental authorities support responsible water management practices.

Commitment to People and Governance

Employee well-being, workplace safety, and professional development remain central to Pankaboard's long-term success. The company promotes fair treatment, diversity, and inclusion while maintaining strong ethical business standards and transparent governance practices.

In 2025, Pankaboard reported no compliance issues and continued to strengthen its sustainability management through regular stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Looking Ahead

Pankaboard's sustainability roadmap focuses on reducing carbon emissions, supporting sustainable forest management, strengthening circular economy practices, ensuring health and safety across the value chain, and promoting transparent and knowledge-based leadership.

"Together with our customers, employees, suppliers, and partners, we are building a more sustainable future for packaging and society," said Piiparinen.