Sustainability
Sustainability at Varkauden Puu
At Varkauden Puu, we believe every decision is a step toward a more sustainable tomorrow. Our roots are in the traditions of the wood industry, but our future is built on responsible choices for the climate, for people, and for our community.
Sustainable Wood Industry – Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change
Wood is nature’s own carbon store and one of the most powerful solutions for reducing climate change. By using wood wisely, we lower CO₂ emissions and create long-lasting products that lock away carbon for decades.
Since 2022, we have tracked our carbon footprint and set an ambitious goal: to cut our emissions by 80% by 2035 (compared to 2022 levels).
So far, we have already taken concrete steps:
- Transitioned fully to emission-free electricity
- Actively sought low-emission transport solutions
- Minimized waste by reusing production side streams for new products and energy
Resource Efficiency – Turning Waste into Value
Resource efficiency is at the core of sustainable wood industry. For us, no part of the wood goes to waste. Every cut-off, shaving, and leftover is reused so that each cubic meter of wood creates value.
This forms a smart circular economy model, where instead of waste, new opportunities are created: raw materials, energy, and products that support both our customers’ sustainability goals and the green transition of the entire industry.
A Healthy Workplace Has a Voice That Gets Heard
Responsibility is not only about the environment and products, but also about people. At Varkauden Puu, we believe that a thriving work community is the foundation of everything.
Everyone deserves a voice that is heard. We emphasize flexibility, individuality, and equal treatment regardless of background. We want each team member to feel that their work is meaningful and part of our shared story.
A Trusted Partner – Responsible Business Culture
Our responsibility extends to customers, partners, and the wider community. Trust and transparency form the foundation for our long-term relationships.
We actively participate in industry development projects, such as KiertoKasvu, that works to improve circular economy and sustainable growth and Päästölaskennalla kohti hiilineutraliutta program that utilizes emissions calculation for carbon neutrality. We are a partner whose operations stand up to scrutiny and with whom building a sustainable future is safe and reliable.
Producer Responsibility and EU Deforestation Regulation
We comply fully with producer responsibility reporting requirements and operate transparently across the entire supply chain.
We also take the EU Deforestation Regulation seriously, ensuring that all our wood comes from sustainable, traceable sources. For us, responsible sourcing is a given – the wood we use in our products does not contribute to deforestation but instead supports sustainable forestry.
We use certified northern, fine-grained, small-knot timber. Our management is committed to environmentally and socially sustainable operations, and we maintain conditions that make this possible. We are also authorized for CE marking.
Certificates available for download:
FSC® Chain of Custody Certificate
PEFC Chain of Custody Certificate
FSC® Certification
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a global, non-profit organization that promotes environmentally responsible forest management everywhere in the world. FSC® supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Varkauden Puu’s FSC® license number is FSC-C175371.
Our personnel principles are available to stakeholders and can be found here (in Finnish).
PEFC Certification
PEFC is an international forest certification system that promotes ecological, social, and economically sustainable forestry. It guarantees the responsible origin of wood for companies. We follow the PEFC principles in our wood procurement and all our products are PEFC certified.
The Wellbeing of Wood – Nature’s Gift to People
Wood is more than just a building material. It’s a natural part of everyday wellbeing. Research shows that wood helps reduce stress, improve indoor air quality, and create environments where people feel good.
That’s why our products are designed not only to build durable homes and spaces but also to promote health and wellbeing. Wood brings warmth, authenticity, and durability – qualities no other material can replicate.