Most environmental performance indicators developed favourably during 2004. Significant reductions were achieved for all discharges into water, with reductions ranging from almost 7% for nitrogen, and 7–8% for AOX and COD, to more than 16% for phosphorus, normalised for production volume. Emissions to air were reduced by more than 6% for CO2 from non-renewable sources, and by 4% for both SO2 and NOx. Landfilling of waste, however, increased by 9%, normalised for production.
One significant reason for the improvements in discharges to water is the fact that during 2004 Stora Enso’s production facilities were more fully utilised than over the last couple of years. There have been fewer production curtailments, and operating conditions have consequently been more stable. Specific measures successfully implemented during the year have also helped to curb emissions. Examples include the shutdown of the high-yield sulphite and groundwood pulp plants at Port Hawkesbury, and corrections made to solve operational problems at the Imatra and Kemijärvi mills.
Reductions in emissions to air
Emissions to air of CO2 from non-renewable sources and of SO2 are both mainly influenced by the selection of fuels in use. The share of bio-fuels in Stora Enso’s energy mix increased during 2004, which has helped to reduce emissions of CO2 and SO2 per tonne of product.
Landfill of waste
The increased landfilling of waste during 2004 was mainly due to specific circumstances at three sites. Less waste from Duluth Mill can now be beneficially used to cover landfills, due to new limitations set by the State of Minnesota. At Maxau Mill, waste generated during the rebuilding of paper machine no. 6 has caused a temporary increase in landfilling. Reduced demand for construction material for the landfill site at the Water Quality Center in Wisconsin Rapids has meant that less waste from Biron Mill could be used for this purpose.
Due to improvements in data management, some figures do not correspond exactly to those reported in the Sustainability Report 2003.
