22 | RESOURCE-EFFICIENT BUSINESS
Resource-efficient business We base our operations on customer requirements and focus on making optimal use of the raw material, generating efficient flows and reducing the environmental impact of Setra’s business.
Our opportunities and challenges The principal sources of environmental impact at a sawmill are energy consumption and noise, as well as emissions into the air from internal transport vehicles such as forklifts and other machines, and from biofuel boilers. By developing our work practices and making smart investments, we can improve the efficiency of our production and reduce its environmental impact. We have also identified potential in raising the efficiency of our internal transports and increasing the share of electric vehicles in the long term. Another benefit for Setra is that bark, woodchip and sawdust generated from the manufacturing processes can be used as biofuel in our own boilers and to benefit the local community. We have established energy partnerships in several areas, where the surplus energy from our operations is used to heat nearby premises and homes.
Governance The environment and climate constitute an area in which Setra has the greatest influence and they are therefore clearly regulated in our sustainability policy. Resource efficiency and energy recovery play a key role in the work to reduce our climate footprint and are therefore monitored both centrally and in each unit. Setra’s sawmills and processing units are certified according to the ISO 14001 standard and apply systematic environmental management programmes involving precise procedures and continuous monitoring. The factory for cross-laminated timber and components will be certified according to the same standard in 2021. Our operations require an environmental permit and are subject to comprehensive environmental legislation.
How we work Efficient production flows Setra’s units plan their production on the basis of customer needs, so as to generate the most efficient flows possible. In this way, we can ensure that the raw material from the forest is used to manufacture the goods that are in the greatest demand and generate the highest value. Over the past three years, we have worked intensively to introduce a process-oriented work method in all areas of our production organisation. The work method has now reached all units
Sustainability Report 2020 — Setra Group
and departments. Every new working day/shift starts with a status update or briefing. This is used to discuss crucial factors such as safety, quality, delivery and efficiency. It is clear that the method has generated an effect in the form of faster and clearer processing of non-compliances and improved profits. We are also seeing a tendency to be able to operate with lower stock levels which, in turn, has a positive impact on both internal transports and the volume of quality damage. When the turnover of wood products increases, the goods do not have to be moved as often. Another effect is a reduction in the risk of bluestained timber and mould developing on sawn wood that has not yet dried. Shorter lead times also mean more satisfied customers. The glulam factory in Långshyttan has made the most progress, having refined its work practices progressively over the years and repeatedly setting new internal production records. The effects of the coronavirus pandemic The pandemic that has dominated large parts of the world over the past year has naturally had an impact on demand for Setra’s products and caused logistical challenges. Setra’s crisis management team met every week – and sometimes several times a week – so as to respond quickly to the different situations that arose. Thanks to close cooperation between the market, supply chain, and production departments, we succeeded in continuing to manufacture without disruptions throughout the year. In the wake of an unstable spring, market conditions for wood products went sharply higher, and some products were actually in short supply during the latter half of 2020. Operations at Setra’s sawmills and
