SWEDEN (News release) -- Several of Södra's bio-based products are being launched with a fossil-free value chain. They are produced without the use of fossil energy and constitute a new step in Södra's long-term efforts as part of the transition to a fossil-free society. The local energy company Kalmar Energi will be first to use the products.

Zero fossil energy all the way from seedlings to delivery of the product. This is the next step in Södra's long-term work for a fossil-free society. Södra is now launching products made and transported without the use of fossil fuel throughout the value chain. Södra's products are guaranteed independent of fossil fuel through mass balance - a method often used in environmental analyses - and verified by a third party.

"Södra wants to show the way to a fossil-free society and contribute to the transition together with our customers. We are doing this through these bio-based products that are now also free from fossil fuels. The products from forests owned by our members can help more operators phase out finite resources and build a fossil-free business. Fossil-free production and transportation is essential if we are to succeed in the climate transition," said Södra's CEO Lotta Lyrå.

Fossil-fuel free throughout the value chain
Fossil-fuel-free products will be offered in the cross-laminated timber category in addition to selected energy products from forests owned by Södra's 53,000 members. The products have been produced without the use of any fossil fuels. They were produced and transported fossil-free throughout the value chain: from forestry operations, through the industrial process, to transportation to customers.

"Developing and offering fossil-fuel-free forest products is the next step in the transition. This is the result of a long-term process and we will continue to develop our fossil-free offering. More operators can then transition to fossil-free production as the world and climate face more difficult challenges than ever," said Henrik Brodin, Project Manager for A Fossil-Free Södra.

Kalmar Energi first to use the products

The energy company Kalmar Energi will be first to use Södra's fossil-fuel-free products. It delivers electricity, district heating, fibre and energy services to almost 25,000 customers in the Kalmar region. Kalmar Energi currently uses residues from the forest industry (branches and treetops, wood chips, bark) in its combined power and heating plants but from autumn 2021 the deliveries of residues will be completely free from fossil fuels.

"Kalmar Energi feels very strongly about caring for our shared environment. We are therefore happy to take the next step together with Södra, and in the future we can heat and light up homes in Kalmar using fossil-fuel-free residual products from forests in our local area. This will help us to contribute towards a long-term sustainable society that focuses on people and the environment," said Kalmar Energi's CEO Anna Karlsson.