Business Finland says 80% of detached houses in Finland already have a wooden frame, and many public buildings are also constructed with timber.
The trade group also highlights new, wood-based technologies being explored in Finland. Woodio, for example, manufactures basins and bathtubs from a waterproof wood composite. The technology can replace traditional tubs made from carbon-intensive ceramics.
Beyond construction, Helsinki’s Sulapac is making nanocellulose products that can replace single-use plastics, and Spinnova is converting wood pulp into textile fibers with low water intensity.
Wood is plentiful in Finland, which is home to more than half of Europe’s protected forests. The country also practices sustainable forestry, planting four new trees for every one felled—equaling 150 million trees planted annually. For this reason, Finland’s forests have 50% more timber available than they did 50 years ago.
“In Finland, we believe we can create smart, sustainable solutions for global problems. Finland aims to be carbon neutral by 2035, and wood innovations in every sector, as well as sustainable forestry, will make a significant contribution to that goal,” Marika Ollaranta, Head of Bio & Circular Finland from Business Finland.