Valuable forests

The forest forms the foundation of SCA’s operations and correctly managed it is a perpetual resource. Our goal is to responsibly manage our forests so they are at least as rich in biodiversity, nature experiences and raw material in the future as they are today.

Forest is an important part of the earth’s ecosystem and forest processes are long. It takes almost a century for a tree to become mature enough for harvesting. Many other processes in nature that promote flora and fauna also take a very long time.

Our planning when it comes to forest management extends over one hundred years. At the same time as we ensure high and long-term access to renewable forest raw materials, we work with environmental consideration at different levels to preserve biodiversity.

Different levels of environmental consideration

We completely exempt forests with the highest conservation values from forest operations. In other forests, land use is combined with measures that promote biodiversity, such as continuous cover forms of forest management. We also implement active measures to create or restore important habitats such as wetlands and burnt wood.

Even in forests without high conservation value, we also take extensive conservation measures. We call this everyday considerations or basic retention. Consideration is also taken in all forest operations, everything from soil scarification and clearing to thinning and regeneration harvesting.

Habitats and SCA’s Species Commitment

We are continuously striving to make our nature conservation efforts more effective, doing the right thing in the right place. A few years ago, we identified 203 species that live in our forests and that are adversely impacted by various forest operations. These are included under SCA’s Species Commitment.

We also identified 11 habitats of special importance for these species and we are now working in various ways to preserve, develop and also recreate these prioritized habitats. This approach will enable us to achieve greater precision in our work on biodiversity.

Other forest values

SCA also plays an active role in developing forest operations that promote low-impact forestry methods and strengthen conservation values. We also endeavor to develop the forest’s other values. This could include water, reindeer herding, ancient and cultural remains, experiences and much more.

When we help and support other forest owners to manage their forests, we encourage them to also conduct responsible forest management.

Indicators of biodiversity

Dead wood, old deciduous trees and old forest are a few examples of indicators of biodiversity in the forest landscape. This means they represent important factors to ensure a diversity of species. SCA has monitored the development of five different indicators in our land holdings over time and the result has been very positive.

More about the results

Responsible forestry

You can read more about SCA’s forests and how we manage them in the section SCA’s forests. The forest cycle, our work to protect biodiversity, what we do to promote various species and how the forest contributes to a better climate are described here. You can also find suggestions for pleasant destinations in our forests.

Certified forest management

SCA’s forests have long been certified in accordance with the international forest management standards , FSC Forest Management (FSC™ C004466) and PEFC Forest Management (PEFC/05-23-131). These systems aim to ensure responsible forest management.

All wood raw material used in SCA’s products must originate from responsibly managed forests. This applies in our own forest and to the wood purchased from other forest owners. All wood raw material bought by SCA is therefore covered by Chain of Custody (CoC) certification and must at least fulfill the requirements of the FSC Controlled Wood Standard (FSC CW).

SCA's conservation parks

SCA has five conservation parks in northern Sweden, one in each province. These areas are distinguished by greater biodiversity than the surrounding forest landscape and we strive to promote all aspects of sustainability. With their large area and focus on nature conservation, the parks are an important step in preserving and developing biodiversity. We also highlight cultural history values and outdoor activities.

Our conservation parks often border on nature reserves and thus make important research possible.

More about SCA's conservation parks