“Cooperation is a force for the future. It is proof that together we can create both economic value and societal benefits,” says Pär Lärkeryd, CEO of Norra Skog.
Norra Skog is one of Sweden's largest forest owner associations. The members – over 27,000 private forest owners – collectively manage 2.2 million hectares of forest land in northern Sweden. Through their active forestry, they contribute to creating renewable raw materials, local jobs, and climate-smart materials that can replace fossil alternatives.
"Forestry is one of Sweden's most important industries – there is no other industry in Sweden that contributes so much to Sweden's net exports. It is the foundation for both rural development and climate transition – the forest is needed to build Swedish welfare," says Pär Lärkeryd.
Profit goes to the members
The association's profit is annually distributed to the members and is based on the principle of long-term sustainability, loyalty, and sustainable forestry – and every member has an equal say: one member, one vote.
Through the industrial branch Norra Timber, forest raw materials are also transformed into high-quality timber products and pine poles, a large part of which is exported internationally. This is an important link in the chain where the forest helps to replace plastic, concrete, and other climate-impacting materials.
"The products from Norra Timber are not just refined timber – they are part of the solution for more sustainable construction," says Pär Lärkeryd.
Collaboration that builds the future
The UN's Year of Cooperatives initiative aims to highlight companies where community and responsibility go hand in hand. In Sweden, cooperative companies employ 100,000 people and have a turnover of over 660 billion kronor. And interest is growing.
"Cooperation shows that you don't have to choose between business benefit and social benefit. With us, they go hand in hand," says Pär Lärkeryd.