Our business model
Billerud makes high-performing paper and packaging materials that fit into a circular economy. People around the world depend on our biodegradable and recyclable materials.
1. Wood fiber
Growing forests bind CO2 and harvested trees contribute to a more circular society.
- 30% of a harvested tree becomes solid wood products
- 30% becomes recyclable paper and packaging
- 40% byproducts that become bioenergy
2. Procurement
In addition to wood fiber, we purchase direct materials such as chemicals. Suppliers are assessed to ensure they meet our high standards regarding, for example, the environment and ethics
3. Incoming and outgoing transport
We aim for the most sustainable mode of transport to reduce our environmental impact from both incoming transports of raw materials and outgoing transports of finished goods.
4. Operations
We recycle and reuse as much as possible in our operations, for example by recovering and reusing wood residues and chemicals. We also generate green energy.
5. Customers
We provide our customers with renewable and biodegradable paper and packaging materials for safe, lightweigth and high-quality packaging that can replace fossil-based alternatives.
6. Consumers
Our products are used for the packaging of food and consumer products, printed communication and industrial purposes.
7. Recycling
Materials made of virgin fiber can be made into recycled board and paper used for less premium applications.
Human capital
5,800 employees
Manufacturing capital
9 production facilities
Natural capital
13.6 million m3 wood raw material
Billerud’s operations create value for customers, shareholders and other stakeholders, while also contributing to the transition towards a circular society. We are passionately committed to sustainability, quality, our customers and their businesses.
Respect for the forest
Growing forests absorb more carbon dioxide than standing forests. After harvesting, the entire tree is used for different purposes and certain parts are used in Billerud’s production. We source wood chips and the upper parts of the tree to make pulp, paper and paperboard. We only source wood fiber from forests that are sustainably managed, with respect for biodiversity and societies.
Integrated mills and green energy
Billerud’s production facilities are located in Sweden, the US and Finland, close to the source of raw material. All facilities, except the Wisconsin Rapids converting facility, are operationally integrated mills that produce paper or board as well as pulp. In our manufacturing processes, green energy is generated and used mainly in our own processes. We also supply district heating and byproducts that are used to produce biofuels.
Global sales of renewable materials
We deliver our material to more than 2,000 packaging manufacturers, commercial printers, publishers, and other customers in over 100 countries. Brand owners are key stakeholders who set the requirements on the quality, safety, printability and sustainability of the material. Our products are of high quality, hygienic and lightweight, and can replace packaging materials with a larger carbon footprint, such as fossil-based alternatives.
Sustainable value chain
After our material has been used, it can be recycled many times and made into recycled fiber board. Finally they can be used to produce energy. Our business flow and products represent a sustainable value chain.