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Bioeconomics grows together

Strength in numbers. Södra’s history shows how small-scale forestry can be scaled up to a world-leading industry. Today, the group is characterized by sustainability.

Södra was founded in 1938 on the idea that we are stronger together. Today, Södra is Sweden’s largest forest owners’ association and a world-leading industry that refines forest raw materials into renewable products.

The concept of strength in numbers is evident in Södra’s development. When individual forest owners united, a profitable industry emerged. Södra’s first major commercial venture, and its springboard into industrialization, was a tar and turpentine factory in Lenhovda, Uppvidinge Municipality. The final products were used as fuel in the company’s vehicles during the war years and were sold to hospitals, military installations, and individual property owners.

The world is transitioning with the help of the forest

The forest is a crucial component for the world’s transition to a sustainable bioeconomy, and today Södra is at the forefront of sustainability.

“Sustainability is now at the very core of our operations and the driving force behind Södra,” says Lotta Lyrå, CEO of Södra since 2020. “To meet the challenges and opportunities of the future, it is important that we continue to develop Södra together. We possess a long tradition of commitment and foresight, with over 80 years of work, lessons, and experiences.”

Today, more smart products can be made from the forest than ever before. Already, clothing, food, new packaging materials, various types of filters, and car fuel are being produced. But there are more solutions and innovations to develop. Therefore, Södra focuses on sustainability and innovation in the same spirit that created the company – by working together.

Read more about Södra’s sustainability efforts here.