Dear Members,
My first year as a board member is now coming to a close, and the year could not have started in a better way. The program with guest speaker is of an excellent standard and it is also contributed to a better understanding and networking in this time of crisis where we every day are exposed to “C” worlds like crisis, change, cuts and climate.
If words, which begins with a C has been the focus of the year this far, the question “has it turned now?” is to be the question of this autumn. We have enjoyed this year speakers who has shared with us the letters U, V, W and L and the outcome of these.
There is already a cautious optimism regarding the recovery, today we can read that the odds are better in emerging economies, especially China but even there a range of reforms, from those contributing to a stronger currency to an overhaul of subsidies, is needed to boost labour income and encourage consumption. Until that shift takes place, the global recovery will be fragile and probably quite slow. An educated guess will be a gloomy U with a long, flat bottom of weak growth will characterize the development of the next few years, or? Time will tell.
Working at Iggesund is also being part of the Holmen Group. I am proud in representing the forestry and the forest industry which are an indispensable part of Sweden’s and Europe’s identity, the culture heritage, economy and welfare.
In particular I would like to emphasize the positive contribution of responsible managing of the forest in mitigating climate change. The forest absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores the carbon. The forest is therefore of great significance in addressing climate change. It is important that we feel that our business operations are competitive and sound with respect to the climate issues.
At the top of the agenda are the issues of competitiveness of our industry and its significance for employment .If you would like to summarize today’s situation in the Paper and Board Industry we have a mature market with a declining demand. Mr, Lingbeek from SCA has in an excellent way shared the current situation in the latest letter.
For paper primarily for printing of newspapers, we are forecasting to have a reduction from last year by -14% These reductions are likely to continue over the coming years with new information technology, new media, and new channels for advertising and trends towards higher energy costs. This tells us that the challenge is here and changes must happen.
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. These are the words from Mr. Obama.
We need to take responsibilities to be creative, at the top of the agenda is the issues of competitiveness of our industry and its significance for employment. The key issues involve the use of the forest for renewable energy, where a balance must be found between our industrial needs for raw material and the demand for new sources of energy.
I would like to take the opportunity to announce that Holmen has been awarded the “Drottning Kristina” price by the Swedish-Spanish chamber of commerce in Madrid. Holmen won the award thanks to its work on environmental and climate issues.
We're proud of this award and see it as proof that we've fulfilled our ambition of combining efficient production with proactive considerations of how to achieve the ambition of an environmentally sustainable industry,
Holmen's mill in Madrid produces newsprint and coated magazine paper based on 100 per cent recycled paper and therefore plays an important part in paper recycling in Spain. In total, 85 per cent of Madrid's recycled paper is used by Holmen Paper Madrid.
Furthermore, in 2010 all paper at the Madrid mill will be made using recycled water, making it a reference facility for the entire industry. At the mill, the plant that produces electricity and steam is currently being expanded and the new larger facility is scheduled to open in November 2009.
This year, 2009 is a jubilee year for Holmen marking an industrial history that goes back 400 years. This is unique for a Swedish industry to have so many years of experience running industry; this will be a great advantage when we now are looking to the future.
The simplest common objective is to create as much forest and biomaterial as possible, which will enable us to meet the demand for both for the purposes .of raw material and use as an energy source. The assessment of Holmen’s prospects for the long term future is optimistic. We will take great advantage of these conditions with our substantial experience of running and developing efficient industries, especially now when we are building Scandinavia’s biggest and most efficient sawmill in Norrköping, Sweden.
It is more than ever necessary to meet, discuss and share our companies/business experience and create networks where we jointly can strengthen our business.
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce will offer you a possibility to achieve this and give you the opportunity to meet and listen to the most influent leaders and create added value to our your business in The Netherlands.
Ann-Charlotte Runn
Human Resources Director
Iggesund Paperboard Europe |
At the national Connekt congress ‘Drive safely, transport green’ DB Schenker received a ‘Lean & Green Award’ handed over by Dr. Eric Janse de Jonge, member of the Dutch Senate. As part of the Sustainable Logistics innovation programme 9th September was declared ‘Day of Sustainability’. Together with nine renowned companies Schenker B.V. received the award based on defined intentions regarding CO₂ reduction.
