Billerud has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing notable progress toward its climate and environmental goals while maintaining a strong focus on transparency and innovation.
Despite challenges, the company remains on track to meet its 2030 and 2040 targets.
Commitment to Transparent Reporting
Billerud voluntarily reports according to the new EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), even though Sweden has postponed their legal implementation.
“By adopting these standards, we aim to increase transparency and strengthen engagement in sustainability,” said Ulrika Wedberg, EVP Sustainability & Public Affairs.
Climate Action and Emissions Reductions
In 2024, Billerud’s 2030 climate targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The goals include:
- Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42%, aligned with the 1.5°C target.
- Cutting Scope 3 emissions by 25%, staying well below the 2°C target.
By the end of 2024, Billerud had already reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by over 20%, excluding volume-related reductions. The company’s European mills are now 98% fossil-free, with ambitions to reach 100%. In North America, Billerud has phased out coal, and nearly all purchased electricity for its mills is fossil-free.
Water Management Improvements
Billerud continues to make strides in water management, aiming to reduce wastewater discharge by 10% in Europe by 2030. While the company reduced process water emissions by 7.9% between 2020 and 2024, it missed its short-term goal of 1% reduction for 2024 due to project delays. To address this, Billerud introduced a Water Investment Fund for 2025 to finance projects aimed at further reducing wastewater emissions.
Resource Efficiency and Circular Solutions
Billerud is also enhancing resource efficiency by recycling over 79% of chemicals used in production and ensuring that byproducts, such as crude tall oil (CTO) and turpentine, are repurposed for biofuels, cleaning products, and other applications.
Driving Toward Net Zero
With a commitment to cutting emissions by approximately 430,000 tons of CO₂e between 2022 and 2030, Billerud’s ultimate vision is to reach Net Zero by 2040.
“Through transparency, innovation, and ambitious goals, we aim to lead our industry toward a more sustainable future,” concluded Wedberg.
Billerud is a global leader in the production of high-quality paper and packaging materials. With a strong commitment to sustainability, quality, and customer value, Billerud serves customers in over 100 countries. The company operates nine production facilities strategically located in Sweden, the United States, and Finland.
