Author: Professor Olli Dahl, Aalto University
Environmental control and management
Everything you need to know about the latest forest industry related environmental issues, possibilities and challenges
It is important to understand that there will always be some level of environmental load associated with industrial operations and activities. This load has to be recognised and its quantity and quality controlled in the best practicable way. What is the environmental load arising from forest industry, what does it consist of and from where does it originate? Environmental control and management theme provides detailed information on environmental issues related to pulp and paper/board mills.
Traditionally, the main function of process industry has been to produce as much high-quality product as possible. As a result, there are today many regulatory controls which directly or indirectly guide industrial production in the area of the European Union, and the application of these principles limits the undesirable environmental effects of process industry to acceptable levels. More recently, the objective has been to manufacture high-quality products through the optimal use of raw materials, chemicals and energy, while minimising environmental impacts. This positive trend supports the effort to introduce sustainable practices and to move towards the goal of sustainable development, taking into account the whole value chain from raw material to product.
The Environmental control and management theme presents the environmental issues, possibilities and challengers facing the pulp and paper industry. The theme also covers the main regulatory controls in the European Union area, including the Industrial Emission (IE) Directive and BAT (Best Available Techniques), as well as the role of environmental management systems and other tools.
This theme is organised into ten sections
The Environmental control theme contains comprehensive information on the amounts and composition of environmental loads from specific processes, including the main effects of effluents, air emissions and solid wastes on the environment. The main technical methods and unit processes for controlling environmental loads are covered. Finally, this theme presents the latest issues, possibilities and challenges facing the pulp and paper industry.
The European Green Deal focuses on transitioning towards a sustainable future by promoting climate actions, circular economy, renewable energy, biodiversity protection, and clean technologies. It utilises various legal and policy instruments, such as the European Climate Law, Critical Raw Materials Act, and Net-Zero Industry Act, to achieve these goals while fostering economic growth and global competitiveness. This section focuses on the main goals, measures, and instruments providing a handy checklist of key aspects to consider in your everyday work.
In addition to the European Green Deal, there are other instruments steering the industry towards more sustainable operations and promoting innovation on emerging and new technologies. The section discusses regulations and instruments aimed at enhancing environmental management in industrial installations, including reporting requirements, promotion of innovative pollution control technologies, and transformation plans towards circular and climate-neutral industry. It also highlights the implementation of environmental management systems, adherence to best available techniques, and sector-specific benchmarks outlined in BREFs and BATCs.
The section outlines the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on targets for sustainable production, consumption, industrialisation, and environmental protection, alongside addressing climate change and ecological challenges. It also discusses the concept of planetary boundaries, highlighting critical environmental thresholds that have been exceeded and the associated risks to Earth’s stability.
The Circular Economy section focuses on the concept of a circular economy and its three main principles: keeping products and materials in circulation, regenerating nature, and eliminating waste and pollution. It explains how this system can create economic, environmental, and societal benefits by designing out waste, promoting sustainability, and ensuring renewable resource use. The section explores a sustainable economic model, aimed at replacing the linear “take-make-waste” approach, while supporting environmental regeneration and efficient material reuse.
This section discusses Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) and Life Cycle Management (LCM) as approaches to enhance environmental performance and sustainability across product life cycles. It highlights how businesses and organisations can utilise life cycle assessments and related methodologies to reduce environmental impacts, improve resource efficiency, and support informed decision-making.
The Environmental Management section gives an overview of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), a voluntary environmental management system that supports organisations in improving their environmental performance, promoting circularity, and fostering transparency through public reporting. It also highlights international environmental sustainability standards, providing tools for effective implementation in areas such as circular economy, climate change, and greenhouse gas quantification.
Sustainable Forest Management and Forest Certification
In this section, you will find information on sustainable forest management and forest certification systems, such as PEFC and FSC, which promote the ecological, social, and economic pillars of sustainability. The section outlines standards, principles, and certification approaches aimed at ensuring responsible forestry practices and support for global sustainability goals.
This section delves into international instruments addressing sustainable forest management and trade in tropical timber. It highlights the United Nations Forest Instrument and the International Tropical Timber Agreement, focusing on measures to promote sustainability, governance, and cooperation among nations.
The Instruments in Finland section discusses sustainable forest management in Finland, focusing on ecological, economic, and social dimensions regulated under the Forest Act, Forest Decree, and other forestry laws. It covers topics such as biodiversity preservation, regeneration obligations, timberline forest management, and financial aid for private landowners to promote sustainable practices.
