Finland

September was fairly good in the timber market. Timber prices were high in comparison to long-term averages and all timber grades were in good demand.

Stumpage prices remained on the high level achieved one year ago in September, although a slight month-on-month decrease was recorded.

Metso Corp.’s Board of Directors has decided to modify the company’s business structure in order to more effectively reach the company’s future business targets.

Metso will supply automation and environmental technology to control five biomass power plants to be built by Dalkia in France. The investments are part of France’s national green energy program, which aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and curb climate change.

Finland, Aug 15, 2011 - UPM will establish four regional jointly owned forests in Finland using about 2 000 hectares of company forests as an original asset.

UPM’s jointly owned forests will be located in Western, Eastern and Central Finland as well as in Ostrobothnia next to UPM mills using significant volumes of wood.

Finland, Jul 20, 2011 - The EU Commission has published its proposed amendment to the Sulphur Directive, which would lead to the maximum sulphur content of maritime fuels being lowered to 0.1% on the Baltic Sea by the beginning of 2015.