Södra has announced a significant step in its sustainability programme by increasing the proportion of recycled material used in its timber packaging from 50% to 70%. The latest development reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening circular material flows while lowering the environmental impact associated with packaging across its timber operations.
The updated packaging solution introduces a new off-white and grey plastic material. This revised design enables a higher percentage of recycled plastic to be incorporated without affecting the functionality of the packaging. Alongside the material change, the packaging design is also being simplified. Fewer print variations will be used, allowing a gradual transition to a more uniform appearance across Södra’s timber products.
The initiative forms part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy. It focuses on reducing resource consumption while supporting a more circular economy within the forest products sector. By improving packaging materials, Södra continues to integrate environmental considerations into everyday industrial operations.
Maria Persdotter Isaksson, Head of Sustainability at Södra Wood, said that even fundamental components such as packaging can contribute to meaningful environmental progress. She explained that redesigning packaging makes it possible to lower climate impact, increase recycled content and encourage more circular material use throughout the supply chain.
The latest announcement builds upon earlier investments made by the company. In 2021, Södra introduced timber wrapping manufactured from recycled consumer plastic through a long-term collaboration with Swedish packaging producer Trioworld. That project marked an important milestone in replacing virgin raw materials with recycled alternatives within industrial packaging.
The latest upgrade represents another stage in that ongoing partnership. By raising recycled content to 70%, the companies continue to demonstrate how collaboration can support practical sustainability improvements within the timber industry.
The environmental benefits are expected to be considerable. Annual emissions linked to the packaging are projected to decline by approximately 160 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. This reduction contributes to Södra’s wider climate objectives while supporting industry efforts to lower emissions throughout manufacturing and logistics activities.
The packaging changes are expected to improve resource efficiency. They also reinforce the importance of recycled materials in industrial applications. Demand for circular packaging solutions continues to increase as manufacturers seek practical ways to reduce environmental impact without compromising operational performance.
Johan Lantz, Sales Director at Trioworld, highlighted the importance of long-term cooperation in achieving sustainability goals. According to him, Södra has consistently encouraged innovation while maintaining demanding standards for product quality and environmental performance. He noted that the increased recycled content demonstrates what can be achieved through shared ambitions and continuous development.
The new packaging solution has already been evaluated at Södra’s sawmill in Värö. Operational testing confirmed that the material performs effectively under normal production conditions. Following the successful trial, the updated timber wrap will gradually be introduced across all of the company’s sawmills.
The rollout will be completed in phases. Existing packaging stocks will continue to be used during the transition period. As production shifts to the new material, customers will notice the updated colour and simplified printed design.
The initiative reflects broader trends across the global timber and forest products industry. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in recycled materials, improved packaging technologies and lower-carbon production methods. Circular resource management is becoming a key priority as businesses respond to environmental targets and customer expectations.
Packaging plays an essential role in protecting timber products during transport and storage. However, it also represents an opportunity to reduce emissions through material innovation. By increasing recycled content, fewer virgin plastic resources are required. This supports more efficient use of existing materials.
The project has been developed through close cooperation between Södra and Trioworld. Long-term industrial partnerships continue to play a critical role in delivering commercially viable sustainability solutions. Shared expertise allows innovation to move from concept to large-scale implementation.
Further environmental improvements are expected as circular practices continue to expand throughout the wood products sector. Investment in recycled materials, product redesign and supply chain optimisation remains central to achieving long-term climate objectives.
With the latest packaging upgrade, Södra continues to strengthen its sustainability strategy while supporting more responsible use of resources across the timber industry. The increase to 70% recycled material represents another practical step towards circular packaging solutions, reduced emissions and improved environmental performance within modern wood manufacturing.
Read more news on Sodra
Get more updates on American woodworking industry through: www.woodandpanel.us
