In 2004, Stora Enso’s wood supply organisation set a target for the coverage of traceability systems in the procurement of roundwood, chips, sawdust and pulp. The total coverage of traceability systems in wood and fibre procurement amounted to 98% in 2004, and the target is to reach 100% in 2006.

Wood traceability involves documenting the origin of wood, and tracking it from the forest to the first point where it comes into Stora Enso’s possession. Traceability is a technical tool, which enables Stora Enso to manage wood supply chains and to assess the legality of wood sources and their compliance with the Group’s policies and principles. Traceability systems are specially designed for different wood supply chains and conditions, and therefore vary between different countries.

Visible results of traceability systems

The actions taken in traceability systems aim to expose any sources of wood that do not comply with Stora Enso policies and principles. Where systems or suppliers fail to meet Stora Enso’s requirements, corrective actions are demanded. Training and support is offered to the Group’s own personnel and suppliers’ personnel wherever necessary. In serious cases, suppliers’ deliveries are halted. If repeated failures occur or corrective actions by a supplier are deemed to be insufficient, contractual clauses allow Stora Enso to terminate supply contracts.

Wood procurement principles under review

In 2004, a major review of Stora Enso’s wood procurement principles was started. This review will also involve the formulation of related Group-level performance indicators, which will provide a basis for the more systematic monitoring of the environmental impacts of various aspects of operations, including traceability systems themselves.