Stora Enso suspends logging activities in Finland amid environmental investigation

Stora Enso has announced the suspension of logging activities across all sites in Finland that are subject to water, forest, or nature conservation regulations. The suspension will remain in effect until the operational guidelines, logging plans, and associated risks for these sites are reassessed.

The company has initiated additional training for its employees, contractors, and subcontractors focused on environmental policies and compliance. This training aims to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.

In addition to these actions, Stora Enso and a third party will conduct an audit on the planning, execution, and monitoring processes related to timber harvesting. The company has also begun an internal investigation alongside an official inquiry concerning the events that took place at the Hukkajoki site in Suomussalmi. Currently, restorative work is underway at Hukkajoki to protect the endangered freshwater pearl mussels, led by the Natural Resources Institute Finland.

Stora Enso’s CEO, Hans Sohlström, stated, “Stora Enso takes its financial and environmental responsibilities seriously. We are committed to covering the costs of the ongoing restoration. We thank the Natural Resources Institute and researchers for the work already accomplished at the river.”

The environmental damage that occurred on August 15 at a Stora Enso logging site is being investigated as a serious violation of nature conservation laws. A logging machine reportedly ran over thousands of critically endangered freshwater pearl mussels multiple times.