2023 Canfor Sustainability Report
Better by nature.
At Canfor, we make products that build a better future.
Introduction
As a global leader in the manufacturing of low-carbon forest products, we have a deep commitment to sustainability; it is embedded throughout our entire operations, from the forest to the finished product, and beyond.
“Our commitment to sustainability begins with our people, who lead this ongoing journey with dedication, passion and innovation. As we share the results of our sustainability report this year, it is these people I am most proud of; embodying our values to build a safer, more inclusive workplace and care for our forests and our communities.”
Don Kayne
President and CEO, Canfor"Our sustainably-produced forest products are in demand as the world continues to shift to a low-carbon economy. In addition to the steady and sustained shift from traditional usage in printing and writing paper to growth markets like tissue, hygiene and packaging, pulp products are experiencing new market development in bioproducts for applications replacing fossil-based materials. While our backbone is the strength and versatility of our products, these characteristics also extend to our people who develop them every day, safely and sustainably."
Kevin Edgson
President and CEO, Canfor PulpOur sustainability framework.
We're guided by our Sustainability Framework, which outlines how we manage our material topics under the pillars of People, Planet and Products.
People
Our people and communities thrive because we are focused on safety, inclusion, equity and wellness every day.
- Safety, health and wellness
- Inclusion and diversity
- Indigenous relations
- Human rights
- Community resilience
People
Planet
Our practices and products play an integral role in helping to protect the planet and mitigate climate change.
- Sustainable forestry
- Climate change
- Air quality
- Water management
- Waste management
Planet
Products
Our products are sustainable because our manufacturing and supply chain are optimized for responsible resource use.
- Residuals management
- Supply chain management
- Energy management
Products
2023 highlights.
In 2023, Canfor made strong progress in our sustainability journey as we continue to embed sustainability in all that we do.
100%
of our Canfor-managed forests are certified to SFI® or FSC® Forest Management Standards.
100%
of all sourced wood in our North American wood products operations is certified to the SFI Fibre Sourcing Standard.
100%
of our Swedish woodlands operations are certified to PEFC Forest Management Standard.
58mil
In 2023, we planted 58 million seedlings, with over 1 billion planted in the past 20 years.
50%
of our North American new hires are from under-represented groups.
49%
of our operating areas in Canada are covered by agreements with Indigenous Nations.
Investing in our local communities.
Through our Good Things Come From Trees community giving program, we contribute to local organizations that make a difference. In 2023, our employees from Conway and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of Horry County to help build a new home for a local family of five. Canfor is a proud supporter of Habitat For Humanity and to date, we have donated over $100,000 to the organization’s local affiliates as part of our commitment to helping families build and improve places to call home.
Improving employee experience.
At our Canadian wood product operations we continued our “Excellence Works Here” program, our ongoing commitment to a safe workplace, best-in-class facilities and investing in our people. In 2023, we formed mill-level committees to identify priority areas for their site, and made site improvements such as paving, improving lighting, and upgrading common areas. Moving forward, we will continue to put policies, processes, and resources in place to support employee experience.
Vida and partners build Sweden’s largest solar park.
Together with partners Bixia and Svea Solar, Vida opened one of Sweden’s largest solar parks near Sölvesborg in Blekinge, which will generate 19 million kWh of power annually, enough electricity to power 3,800 houses. Vida will buy electricity to power operations in the area, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Strengthening our human rights approach.
As an organization with a growing global footprint, we have a responsibility to ensure that our business operations respect the human rights of those impacted by our business. This year, we began developing a formal human rights strategy along with action plans to continually improve how we do business as a global organization.
Mitigating wildfire impacts.
As wildfires continue to become more severe and frequent, sustainable forest management is essential to ensure that forests remain healthy and resilient. We are taking action to proactively mitigate wildfire risk in our operating areas, and have reviewed our fire prevention, suppression and response efforts to ensure that they are adapting in line with the changing climate.
Developing innovative bioproducts.
We’re exploring how wood waste can be engineered to replace fossil-based materials. In 2023, we explored the viability of a wood-based biocomposite material that could be used as a green alternative to plastics.
Continued progress towards our goal of becoming net-zero by 2050.
In 2023, we established a target to reduce our absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by 2030 from a 2022 baseline year. This builds on our previously established target to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2020 baseline year. Our emissions targets were submitted for validation with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). We also developed a Climate Change Strategy to prioritize and focus climate-related initiatives across the company.
Our report provides a transparent view of our current sustainability performance and progress towards our goals.
In this year’s report, we share the results of our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities and approaches in alignment with our Sustainability Framework.
About Canfor.
Canfor is a global leader in the manufacturing of low-carbon forest products, including lumber, pulp, paper, wood pellets and green energy. We embrace innovation in our industry and provide high-quality products to global markets.
With our dedicated employees, we demonstrate leading environmental practices and are committed to the communities that host our operations. We’re continuously looking for new ways to apply sustainability innovation for low-carbon solutions.
Our values.
Canfor’s values are at the core of who we are and how we work.
Safety comes first.
We foster a diverse workforce that is inclusive, productive and respectful at all times.
We protect our planet by doing everything with sustainability at the forefront.
We are resilient, resourceful, and succeed when our customers succeed.
We are a good neighbour in our communities and demonstrate integrity in everything we do.
We're hiring.
We’re hiring great people who are passionate about safety, sustainability, and innovation.
