Resource-efficient production

Stable production and using resources effectively are two of the most important factors in minimizing emissions to air and water from our mills. At the same time, we are working to phase out fossil fuels, increase our energy efficiency, and minimize our water usage and impact on water quality.


We have already come a long way with phasing out fossil fuels in production. Our efforts to minimize the negative environmental impact are based on systematic work for constant improvements and investments in new technologies, with the goal to run efficient operations with consideration for the surrounding environment and the local community.

We have reached a 97.5 percent fossil-free production in Europe, and we will not stop there. In 2022, we acquired production units in North America through the acquisition of Verso Corporation. We are working on integrating these production units into our way of working.

One of the key elements for a fossil-free production is a stable and efficient production, which cannot be attained without putting safety first.

An energy intensive production

Billerud’s production is energy intensive. Most of the energy consumed is generated in the pulp process, where large amounts of waste heat are released. This excess heat is mainly used directly in production, but also provides local communities with district heating. 

In our European operations, we generate 43% of our electricity need internally, and all electricity, produced in-house or purchased, is covered by fossil-free guarantees of origin.

In our North American operations, up to 67% of our electricity consumption is self-generated. For Billerud in total, 90% of the fuel mix comes from biofuels (both self-generated and purchased), and 10% is natural gas and other fossil fuels. 

We work continuously to increase the overall energy efficiency of our facilities and to find new ways to further increase the amount of energy produced from renewable resources. 

Read more about our targets in the sustainability report.

All European production units are quality and environmentally certified in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. The Swedish mills are also certified in line with the energy management system ISO 50001.

See all certificates on this page.

Consumer information regarding sustainable biofuels

During 2022 Billerud has used the following biofuels as a part of its heat and power production:

  • Tall oil pitch (country of origin: Sweden, Finland, France, USA and Russia*)
  • MFA (country of origin: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Honduras, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Spain and USA)
  • Raw methanol (country of origin: Sweden)
  • Residue from biodiesel production (country of origin: Czech Republic and Germany)
  • Crude tall oil (country of origin: Sweden, France, USA and Russia*)
  • Biogas (concentrated non condensable gases, country of origin: Sweden)
  • Other fluid fuels (country of origin: Sweden)

The biofuels are produced from industrial residue or waste.

*Fuel from Russia was purchased and used prior to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

See also

Our production process

Do you wonder how trees are made into packaging? Read about the production process here.

Climate impact

Combatting climate change is the critical issue of our time, and a strategic priority for us.

Sustainability targets

Our sustainability work is driven by a number of tangible and ambitious targets that help us to steer our strategy and daily operations.