DN Debate. "Don't lose the forest in the game of government power"

Before this year's election, several parties in the Riksdag have, in various forms, emphasized property rights, the role of forests in the bioeconomy and the importance of replacing fossil materials with renewable products. From both the right and the left, the forest has been highlighted as central to climate benefits, jobs throughout the country and a stronger Swedish business community. Now it is important that these ambitions are also reflected in the policies that are being formed and in the reforms that will strengthen Sweden's long-term competitiveness. At the same time, we too often see how forest issues are allowed to take a back seat in political negotiations and compromises.

The formation of the government takes place in a challenging time. Geopolitical concerns, intensifying global competition and a great need to strengthen the Swedish economy and supply readiness place high demands on long-term and strategic decisions.

In this situation, the Swedish forest industry has a special importance.

The annual export value of Swedish forest products amounts to more than SEK 180 billion

Products and materials from the forest are used every day: paper, packaging, building materials, energy and a growing number of new bio-based products. Wood-based materials replace fossil-based alternatives and reduce Sweden's and the world's dependence on oil and coal. This is possible thanks to a unique asset: a domestic, fossil-free and renewable raw material from Swedish forests and a value chain where the whole tree is taken care of.

Active and circular forestry creates jobs, businesses and tax revenue around the country, often in smaller towns far from the big cities. The annual export value of Swedish forest products amounts to more than SEK 180 billion. For many farmers, the forest also provides the financial security that makes it possible to continue farming and thereby contribute to Sweden's food supply.

One of the strengths of the Swedish forest industry lies in its ability to cost-effectively refine the entire tree into fossil-free products. The technological development creates opportunities to both produce more sawn wood products, packaging and hygiene products from the same tree and at the same time create completely new products by also using the side streams for things like chemicals, battery components, textile fibers and aviation fuel.

But these opportunities only become a reality if the companies are profitable and dare to invest in Sweden.

Today, the Swedish forest industry is hard pressed by high raw material costs at the same time as the industry faces tough international competition. Competitors in other parts of the world often have significantly lower raw material costs and better conditions for investment. If Swedish companies do not get access to competitive raw materials, there is a risk that margins will disappear, investments will not materialize and production will be moved to other countries.

It's not just about missed future opportunities. It is about today's production, about the survival of today's Swedish companies and the employment of their employees. If raw material costs continue to rise and access to raw materials is limited by political decisions, there is a risk that factories will be closed, investments will be stopped and jobs will disappear from Sweden. At the same time, demand for wood, paper and cardboard will remain. The difference is that they are then produced elsewhere, not infrequently in China.

If Swedish companies do not get access to competitive raw materials, there is a risk that margins will disappear, investments will not materialize and production will be moved to other countries

When the world demands more fossil-free building materials, packaging, fuels and chemicals, our politicians must ask themselves a crucial question: should these products be manufactured in Sweden, with Swedish jobs, Swedish investments and Swedish export earnings, or should they be produced in other countries?

The choice is not between production and no production. The choice is between production in Sweden and production elsewhere.

If we want the investments, innovations and jobs to stay in Sweden, we need a policy that creates the conditions for several things at the same time: more effective nature conservation, stronger climate benefits through a focus on both carbon uptake and substitution, continued development of renewable products and a competitive forestry industry that can continue to invest and grow in Sweden.

For those of us who invest in sawmills, pulp and paper mills, innovation and new bio-based products, a long-term perspective is crucial. Decisions about the forest must not be made as if the effects stop at the next mandate. They affect Sweden's competitiveness for decades to come. Historically, we have been good at making long-term decisions. With the 1903 Forest Protection Act, Sweden was reforested. With the 1993 law, the Swedish model for forestry was introduced, which is based on the fact that we should both increase growth in the forest and develop the biological values.

Our appeal to Sweden's politicians is therefore clear: do not compromise the forest in the pursuit of ministerial posts. Sweden cannot afford that. Instead, stand up for the election promises and strengthen the conditions for long-term and active forestry, a competitive forest industry and secure access to raw materials. Continue to develop the Swedish forestry model that has created such great value for Sweden.

In terms of forest policy, this means:

● long-term and predictable supply of raw materials,

● impact analyzes before major changes,

● give landowners incentives to create natural values,

● investments in nature conservation even in already designated areas.

When the forest grows, Sweden grows. And when the Swedish forest industry is given the opportunity to compete, invest and develop here, then the jobs, growth and climate solutions are created in Sweden, not elsewhere.

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