Timber and paper policy

Uncontrolled and illegal felling is a significant global threat to forests. Deforestation accelerates climate change and reduces biodiversity. However, sustainable forestry can prevent negative environmental impacts and promote the rights and financial position of local communities. ​Sustainable forest management helps to maintain forests and preserve them for future generations.

Kesko’s product range includes numerous timber and paper products.  For example, timber and building board are typically found in the building and technical trade products, while baking paper, kitchen rolls and toilet tissue are typical paper goods found in the grocery trade.

In 2013, Kesko’s building and technical trade was awarded the PEFC certificate, which covers sawn pine and spruce timber as well as processed timber wholesale distribution in Finland (percentage-based method). Furthermore, all K-Rauta stores in Finland have been covered by the PEFC group certificate since 2019.

Kesko’s objective is that by 2025 all timber and paper products in its product range will come from material of sustainable origin. Timber and paper products are FSC or PEFC certified or from certified origin or made of recycled materials. In the grocery trade, the policy applies to Kesko’s own-brand products. In the building and technical trade, the policy applies to all timber delivered by Kesko.

As early as 2009, the building and technical trade has ruled that it will not procure products made from endangered tree species growing in tropical natural forests. All wood products made from tropical wood are certified. 

In our own construction operations, we use FSC or PEFC certified timber only.

The timber and paper policy was first published in June 2017. 

Progress of the objectives of the timber and paper policy in 2022

Kesko’s building and technical trade has been awarded the PEFC certificate, which covers sawn pine and spruce timber as well as processed timber wholesale distribution in Finland (percentage-based method). The average PEFC certification percentage in 2022 was 89% for pine and 85% for spruce.

Of the timber and paper products in the Pirkka and K-Menu ranges, 40% contained sustainable raw material, of which 58% were FSC certified, 32% PEFC certified and 10% made of recycled materials. In the Menu range, 89% of timber and paper products contained sustainable raw material, of which 62% were FSC certified, 28% PEFC certified and 10% made of recycled materials.

Progress in 2019-2023: