Metsätuotteita

Metsätuotteita refers to goods derived from forest ecosystems, encompassing a wide range of products such as timber, pulp, paper, wood panels, engineered wood, resins, and various non-wood forest products like berries, mushrooms, and medicinal plants. The term is commonly used in Finland and other Nordic countries where forest resources play a significant role in the national economy. Timber is harvested from managed plantations and natural forests, processed into lumber, panels, and construction materials. Pulp and paper production are major industries, with Finland historically being one of the world’s largest exporters of high-quality paper and pulp. Wood-based bioenergy, used for heating and electricity generation, also constitutes a notable portion of the forest products sector.

The forest-products industry is regulated to balance economic benefits with sustainability. Certification schemes such as FSC and PEFC are widely used to ensure that harvesting practices meet standards for ecological integrity, social responsibility, and economic viability. In many regions, forest management follows a closed-loop approach, where residues and sawmill waste are repurposed into new products or used as biomass feedstock, minimizing waste and reducing carbon emissions. Small-scale harvesting of berries and mushrooms is also an important sub-sector, supporting rural livelihoods and tourism.

Economic contributions from metsätuotteita are substantial in Finland, accounting for a significant share of the service sector and export earnings. Employment generated by logging, processing, and distribution networks supports rural communities and coastal towns. Environmental considerations, such as maintaining biodiversity, protecting wildlife habitats, and combating climate change by sequestering atmospheric carbon, are central to modern forest management strategies. Consequently, the forest-products industry is considered a key component of Finland’s green economy, illustrating how natural resources can be utilized responsibly while fostering economic growth.