RWE Supply & Trading and Koehler Paper have agreed on a long-term green power supply of up to 175,000 megawatt hours per year. The green power certificates come from the Dutch 54-megawatt Waddenwind wind farm in the Groningen region, which has been connected to the grid since the beginning of the year. RWE Supply & Trading combines the certificates of origin into a green power supply and integrates them into Koehler Paper's procurement portfolio. Thanks to this contract, production at Koehler Paper’s Kehl site is largely climate-neutral. “By taking this step, we are saving around 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year. We are thus underlining our claim to carry the concept of sustainability through the entire value chain of our paper production,” says Dr. Stefan Karrer, Chief Operating Officer of the Koehler Group. The family-owned company has set itself the goal of producing in a climate-friendly manner and thus making a contribution to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement. Koehler is sticking to these goals, despite the enormous unexpected challenges resulting from the current energy crisis. “We are pleased to support Koehler Paper in the realisation of its sustainability strategy,” says Dr Hendrik Niebaum, Head of Commodity Solutions at RWE Supply & Trading. “The demand for CO₂-free electricity supplies from renewable sources is growing strongly. The cooperation with Koehler Paper and Waddenwind shows the potential in the European market.” The contract has a term of ten years and is valid from 2023.

Forest owners and companies still regularly burn parts of the forests they own. Far from being dangerous, experts say this is necessary for the healthy growth of trees. Prescribed burning of forests is a widely accepted and traditional tool for forest management across the world, including the US and UK. It is well planned, has pre-defined limits and a definite purpose. In many parts of the world it is also used as a tool to contain out of control wildfires, prevent forest fires, revitalise natural habitats and preserve biodiversity. The case of the False darkling beetle in Finland is proof that there is merit in this approach.

“Once technologies have been incorporated adeptly into certification systems, we'll begin to see a shift to where certification systems are data brokers for social and environmental performance,” highlighted Wiebke Herding, ON:Subject, during her keynote presentation to the PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue. “Such a future, however, will require a shift in the use of technology and in the organizational purpose. If done well, it will enable more and real-time information about product flows through the supply chain, enable information feedback loops that benefit and add value to all participants, whilst ensuring that confidential data remains confidential.” With Ms. Herding’s forward-looking and provocative keynote address, PEFC’s Stakeholder Dialogue on ‘Making Certification SMART’ got off to a dynamic and enthusiastic start. Click Read More below for additional information.