Protecting forests and biodiversity

By committing to a deforestation- and conversion-free supply chain, we are ensuring that our materials are sourced without contributing to deforestation or the alteration of forest land into different land use where it is harming the original forest ecosystems. 

Our Group Environmental Policy guides our approach and extends these expectations to all our suppliers.  Our Supplier Code of Conduct requires partners to reduce environmental impacts, protect natural resources, and avoid sourcing that contributes to deforestation or threatens endangered habitats.  

Our ambitions 

We manage our impacts and dependencies on biodiversity through ensuring the following key commitments: 

  • Deforestation-free and conversion-free value chain 
  • 100% virgin fiber traced to origin 
  • Maximize percentage of certified or recycled fiber  

Find out more about our performance here and in our annual report.

Turning ambitions into actions: Sustainable fiber sourcing 

Ensuring a sustainable fiber supply chain is central to our sustainability ambition. Fiber—including paper, cardboard, and recycled materials—accounts for nearly 60% of our product portfolio. To advance sustainable forestry, Huhtamaki is committed to zero deforestation and avoiding the use of illegal, controversial, or endangered wood sources. We do not use tree species listed in the Convention of International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES). 

Our recycled fibers are sourced from both industrial processes and post-consumer materials, while we are committed to maximizing the share of virgin fiber certified by FSC®, PEFC (PEFC/02-44-55), or SFI® (SFI-01166). Learn more about our certifications by visiting the PEFC, FSC, and SFI websites. 

Read more about our certified fiber sourcing practices

Piloting biodiversity work through Nature Risk Assessments  

Flexible packaging manufacturing can affect biodiversity through resource use and habitat loss. By understanding the impacts of our operations, we can take meaningful action to protect biodiversity. 

Huhtamaki India conducted nature risk assessments at all 10 sites using the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) guidelines. This process reviewed site-specific data to identify risks and opportunities related to biodiversity, water, and local ecosystems. 

Assessment results showed that some of our sites are at high risks from water scarcity, flooding, and pollution. The suggested actions guide us to e.g. strengthen our water conservation efforts. 

In 2025 the TNFD LEAP (Locate, Evaluate, Assess, Prepare) approach was also used to better understand nature-related impacts, dependencies, risks and opportunities at Huhtamaki direct operations (73 sites) as well as key upstream supply chains. Most material issues to nature and biodiversity were assessed, and the next step is to take the opportunities and recommendations into account in the 'Prepare' phase.