In every corner of Sweden, from north to south, east to west, the forestry industry is a crucial engine of the economy and central to climate change mitigation. It employs 140,000 people across the entire country and generates a massive annual export value of SEK 184 billion.*

For many people, places like Urshult, Mörlunda and Tranemo are unknown names, but for us at Vida, just like the whole forestry industry, these towns are the heart of our working day. This is where we create jobs and develop communities, which contributes to Sweden’s growth and prosperity.

“Our factories aren’t simply workplaces, they’re also part of the local infrastructure. By creating jobs in smaller towns we give people the opportunity to remain living in and to develop their home regions, which is essential for maintaining vibrant rural areas,” says Camilla Milton, HR Director at Vida.

The forest industry is not only important for creating jobs, but also for ensuring a sustainable society. In forestry we are at the front-line of the climate transition and we reduce climate change by the equivalent of 93 million tonnes of CO2e every year.* It’s the amazing properties of wood – renewable, recyclable and fossil-free – that make this possible. Our products, from construction materials to packaging and biofuel, are the key to a future where, step by step, we will replace fossil-based materials and sources of energy.

“We are seeing the demand for sustainable products growing all the time, in Sweden and internationally. By using wood we can help reduce our reliance on fossil commodities and create real positive climate impact,” emphasises Måns Johansson, CEO of Vida.

At Vida we are proud of being part of this force for change. Our sawmills aren’t only local companies that employ hundreds of people, they are also the beating heart of the growth of the local community. The forestry industry as a whole employs 140,000 people across the entire country, which has a significant impact on all of society. The taxes generated from all the forestry industry employees can finance about another 30,000 jobs within healthcare, education and social care all over Sweden.* In this way, the forest industry shares it’s strength and creates the conditions for vibrant, sustainable communities outside of the big cities.

The future of Sweden lies in our being able to continue farming and developing our forests in a sustainable manner. With 70 percent of the country’s surface covered with forest and 400 million plants planted every year*, we see great growth potential. Within the forestry industry we have made three promises for 2040: increase positive climate impact by 30 percent, fossil-free and recyclable products and vigorous forests with a richer biodiversity. These promises are not simply visions, they are concrete targets for us to continue making a difference – for the climate, the economy and future generations.

The forestry industry has been a pillar of the Swedish economy for decades and we look forward to continuing to be a leading force in the climate transition. For us at Vida, the future is clear – it is in the forests and in the places where we operate that Sweden’s sustainable future is being created. And together with the other forestry companies we have the power to do even more.

Vida – part of a strength to make a difference!

* Source: Swedish Forest Industries Federation