At Norske Skog Skogn, we welcomed parliamentary candidates from the Trøndelag region, in a visit organized by WoodWorks! Cluster. This was an important opportunity to demonstrate how the forest and wood-based industry can be a driving force for green transition and regional development.

Present on the guided tour from left: Jens Fredrik Skjelstad (Liberal Party), MD Håvard Busklein, Oda Indgaard (Green Party), Janusz Szpila (Progressive Party) and former Minister of Defense and candidate for the Centre Party, Bjørn Arild Gram.

Each year, around 850-900,000 m³ of timber is harvested in Trøndelag - only 30-35% of the annual growth. The potential is significant: harvesting could increase to more than 1.2 million m³ without compromising the forest's sustainable role. When timber is processed in the region, its value increases 12-14 times. Raw material worth NOK 1,000 becomes products worth up to NOK 14,000 for society.

At the same time, we see positive trends in biodiversity and climate benefits - the forests absorb more CO₂ than Trøndelag's total emissions.

Håvard Busklein, Managing Director, Norske Skog Skogn, says:

My message to politicians is clear: To realize this potential, we need predictable framework conditions, better infrastructure, and an active policy to utilize the forest's renewable resources, which also means that Norske Skog Skogn participates in the emissions trading system (ETS).

Politicians from all the major parties were present at the discussion.

Wood Work Cluster has made a Norwegian news article about the discussion: Vellykket valgkampmøte på Norske Skog Skogn - WoodWorks! Cluster

Push HERE to see the short film on Linkedin from the mill tour with the politicians.