With the goal of strengthening the forest's role in climate transition, Södra's Research Foundation is investing SEK 8.75 million in seven research projects. The projects range from soil and growing forests to innovative solutions contributing to the green transition.

The theme of this spring's call was carbon balance, referring to the relationship between how much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere versus how much is absorbed and stored in, for example, forests, soil, and wood products. It is a critical area in efforts to combat climate change. To reduce emissions and increase carbon uptake, more knowledge is needed about how carbon flows through both natural and human-made systems.

Södra's Research Foundation has granted a total of SEK 8.75 million to seven research projects, all contributing to a deeper understanding of the carbon cycle and how the climate benefits of forests can be strengthened--from soil and growing trees to final products. The supported research may lead to the development of new materials with lower climate impact, more efficient forestry, and enhanced competitiveness for the Swedish forest industry.

"For forests and forest-based products to play an even bigger role in the climate transition, we need both new knowledge and innovation. By supporting research, we can contribute to solutions that benefit both the climate and Södra's members," says Henric Brage, board member of the foundation and Head of Innovation & Strategy at Södra.

The funded research projects address several prioritized areas, focusing on how:

• climate reporting within the forestry value chain can be improved

• climate change can be incorporated into forest growth forecasts

• the pulp mills of the future could be developed without carbon emissions

• new technologies and materials can be developed to replace fossil-based alternatives in areas such as batteries, plastics, and rubber

• new tree species, like larch, can be adapted to different climate conditions in southern Sweden

"It is encouraging to see so many applicants and such an interesting selection of projects, all connected to strengthening the future of forestry and the forest industry. A total of 47 different research projects applied for funding in this spring's call. We look forward to the results and insights from the approved projects and are delighted to support them. At the same time, we on the board want to thank the researchers who applied but were not granted funding, and we encourage them to return with new and exciting proposals," says Henric Brage.

About Södra's Research Foundation

Södra's Research Foundation was established in 1995 with the mission to promote research and development relevant to forestry and forest industry activities in southern Sweden. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded nearly SEK 300 million to almost 250 different projects.