Investment in the Finnish forestry industry has reached its highest ever level at more than 985m (e1.6bn), according to Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF) emission and investment figures for 2000-2001.


Around 55m of the total 739m spend was used in direct environmental investments. Some 40% of investment concerned water protection, 30% air protection projects, and almost 20% for waste management.


Production within the Finnish forest industry rose by 4.5% in 2001, with levels in all main product groupings hitting record highs. Despite the new highs, a decline was witnessed in almost all industry emission levels.


Air emissions decreased, while nitrogen oxide emissions from energy generation fell 9%. Sulphur compound emissions responsible for odour problems from chemical pulp mills dropped by 17%.


Carbon dioxide emissions fell 7% and the only rise recorded was 3% in nitrogen oxide emissions from chemical pulp production.


The investments in both research and product development doubled from 1998 to 2000, with companies investing over 124m (FIM 1.2bn) last year.


Half of this was invested in Finland, and half in international units owned by firms within the industry.


Story by Andy Scott