Sustainability at Valmet
We enhance sustainable business practices globally
Sustainability is at the core of Valmet's business strategy and operations. Our values, Code of Conduct and related policies, and selected globally acknowledged initiatives and principles create the foundation for sustainable performance at Valmet.
From renewable resources into sustainable results
Valmet’s mission is to convert renewable resources into sustainable results. This means that our technology and services make it possible for our customers to manufacture sustainable products from renewable resources. We believe that technology plays a crucial role to mitigate climate change and global warming.
Valmet has a long track record in providing solutions that convert biomass into renewable energy and recyclable products such as pulp, paper, board and tissue. We have also developed and commercialized new biomass conversion technologies for producing new bio-based end products such as biogas, biofuels and biomaterials.
Sustainability agenda guides our performance
Sustainability is integrated in our processes through the comprehensive Sustainability360° Agenda. The agenda includes environmental, social and governance perspectives (ESG) to sustainability and covers Valmet’s entire value chain including the supply chain, own operations and the use phase of Valmet´s technologies. The agenda is aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and it is executed as part of Valmet's annual planning process.
Most impactful UN Sustainable Development Goals for Valmet
We have identified the SDGs on which Valmet can have the most positive impact, or where we aim to minimize our negative impact. Our Sustainability360° agenda and related targets have been aligned with selected SDGs.
Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation Efficient water management plays a key role in Valmet’s technologies, e.g. evaporation and condensate treatment solutions, ultrafiltration solutions and tissue, and board and paper machines can help customers to recycle process water and reduce freshwater use and water pollution. Improving water efficiency and decreasing water consumption are also part of Valmet’s environmental targets for its own operations by 2030.
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy Valmet’s energy solutions are based on biomass, waste or a mixture of different fuels. Valmet impacts this goal through energy technologies, e.g. by enabling heat and power production in biomass, waste and multifuel boilers, increasing the use of different fuel mixes, and air emission control systems for pulp mill and power plant flue gases. Valmet is also contributing to this goal by replacing fossil fuels with renewables, purchasing CO2-free electricity, and improving energy efficiency in its own operations.
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth Valmet’s goal is zero harm to people and the environment. Valmet aims for a positive, safe, and fair working environment, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. We have a human rights management process for our own operations and the supply chain, e.g. to ensure human rights and protect labor rights. Valmet contributes to global economic productivity through investments in R&D, manufacturing high value-adding and resource-efficient technology, and fostering innovation.
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production Valmet develops process technologies, automation, and services to enable replacement of fossil materials with renewables and to support customers in producing high-value end products. We also aim to improve resource efficiency throughout the value chain to ensure responsible consumption and production processes. Valmet’s technologies are designed for maximum resource and raw material efficiency, enabling the circular economy. Lightweight technologies that reduce fiber in board production, hybrid technologies that save fiber in tissue production, high-yield chemical pulp cooking, and fiberlines and power boilers that use residues impact this goal by significantly increasing the efficient use of resources. Valmet has a waste management target for its own operations by 2030. Valmet’s sustainable supply chain management also contributes to this goal.
Goal 13: Climate action Valmet has validated science-based CO2 emissions reduction targets and concrete actions for the whole value chain. Valmet contributes to this goal by offering bioenergy self-sufficient chemical pulp mills and enabling carbon neutral biomass-based heat and power production. By 2030, our target is to enable 100 percent carbon neutral production for customers. In addition, our target is to reduce CO2 emissions by 80 percent in our own operations and 20 percent in our supply chain by 2030. Valmet has also analyzed the potential long-term climate-related physical and transitional risks and their financial impact on its operations and business environment with different climate scenarios to support strategy and the capability of adapting to and mitigating climate change.
