In 2024, Finland saw significant growth in several forest-based industries, especially in paper and board production. Paper production figures rose by 3.7% compared to the previous year, reaching 3 million tonnes. Cardboard production, on the other hand, increased by almost 10% to a total of around 3.7 million tonnes. This growth shows that Finnish forest industry companies have been able to meet market demands despite the economic challenges.
While the growth is encouraging, 2024 was not without its problems for the forest industry. Production in the mechanical forest industry increased, but the underlying conditions were challenging. This sector experienced an increase in production volumes, but also significant disruptions that had a widespread impact on the industry as a whole.
Lumber production in Finland reached almost 11 million cubic metres, an increase of 4.8% compared to the previous year. In addition, plywood production increased by 5.1%, reaching 0.9 million cubic metres. These figures reflect the sector's ability to adapt to changing market conditions and technological innovations that have helped to improve production efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
However, pulp production faced a slight decline of 0.4% to around 7 million tonnes. This decrease is significant as pulp is an essential raw material for both paper and board production. Leading companies in the sector are striving to find sustainable ways to optimise production processes and use resources more efficiently, while maintaining high quality standards and environmental commitments.
One of the main challenges was the political strikes that broke out in the early part of the year, causing significant disruption to forest industry production. The strikes led to logistical problems and production interruptions, which in turn affected not only production figures but also the financial performance of the companies. Despite these challenges, the increase in production volumes shows that operators in the sector are innovative and ready to adapt to difficult circumstances.
The forest industry is an important part of the Finnish economy, and although production volumes increased in some sectors, it is essential to learn from the challenges of 2024. Companies need to invest in the latest technological innovations, increase skills and develop their strategies to reduce the impact of future disruptions. In this respect, sustainable development principles and international cooperation can provide a solid basis for the continued success of the sector.
In conclusion, the Finnish forest industry remains vibrant and capable of meeting the challenges of a changing global economy. Innovative solutions, cooperation and a commitment to sustainable development will help the industry to remain competitive and strengthen its position in international markets. Although 2024 brought its own challenges, it also demonstrated the flexibility and agility of the Finnish forest industry in the face of global challenges.
