Puidukoda grows with Nordic sawn timber
The Estonian company Puidukoda, which has increased its annual capacity to 200,000 cubic meters, is one of the largest planing mills in the Baltic region.
Text: Sami Anteroinen Photos: Puidukoda
Eveli Opmann , CEO of Estonian company Puidukoda, is convinced that sustainability continues to drive the planing mill industry. Opmann says that complying with environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets is essential for Puidukoda, not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to enhance the company’s market position, operational efficiency, employee engagement and risk management. “These factors collectively contribute to the company’s long-term sustainability and growth,” she says. From now on, Puidukoda will compile an ESG report every year. As well as being a new mandatory requirement the report is also a great tool for sustainable development. “We are able to approach these issues in a more structured way as we start to report on ESG in 2025.” Puidukoda is committed to using Nordic softwood, which is a renewable resource, 99 per cent certified by either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). FSC and PEFC are international organisations that certify forests to ensure they are managed sustainably and responsibly. Additionally, all of Puidukoda’s products are designed to have a long lifecycle. “As wood captures significantly more CO2 than is emitted during its processing, we can reduce our environmental footprint by using timber products in construction.”
Other examples of sustainable practices include minimising waste – such as using sawdust left over from production to make pellets or briquettes – and optimising energy use in the production process. The latter includes using solar panels installed on the roofs of production buildings to generate 20 per cent of Puidukoda’s energy needs.
Prioritising employee wellbeing
Taking care of the company’s 120 employees is a top priority for this CEO. “We have a young, ambitious team here, and I want to make sure we maintain our drive.” That’s why the company invests in the ongoing education and professional development of employees. The employees are also provided with safe and healthy working conditions, fair wages and a commitment to promoting diversity among the workforce. According to Opmann, Puidukoda fosters a supportive and inclusive company culture by encouraging open communication and feedback. “This approach not only enhances job satisfaction, but also boosts overall productivity and employee retention,” she says.
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