Värmland is leading the swedish bioeconomy
The green transition is a strong driver for Värmland's economy. The county has the highest value-added for bioeconomy in Sweden. Additionally, carbon dioxide emissions are also decreasing. This is shown by statistics from SCB (Statistics Sweden).
“The fact that Värmland tops the statistics for the bioeconomy's value added is a sign that the long-term investments made by the industry are starting to bear fruit. The success is also based on the fact that we in Värmland have managed to create an ecosystem where industry, research, and the public sector collaborate to transform forest resources into competitive, sustainable solutions,” says Ahmed Alaeddine, Head of Business Region Värmland.
Steadily growing bioeconomy
Statistics from SCB show that Värmland's bioeconomy is steadily growing. Värmland is at the top among Sweden's counties, with an 18.2 percent share of the total value-added.
"The statistics can be seen as proof that access to renewable raw materials, a strong industry, and the ability to collaborate are important both for the regional economy and societal development at large," says Matilda Iverlund, CEO of the business cluster Paper Province.
Development by innovation, digitalization and sustainable business models
Paper Province has the task of coordinating the development of a circular forest bioeconomy in Värmland together with companies and other actors. Matilda Iverlund believes that the positive news regarding carbon dioxide emissions can be explained by the increasingly circular and local nature of Värmland's bioeconomy.
"Companies are getting better at utilizing the forest's values – from raw material to final product – and the development is driven by innovation, digitalization, and more sustainable business models," says Matilda.
Growing interest for establishments
Ahmed Alaeddine at Business Region Värmland agrees and sees that the development in Värmland also attracts companies from outside.
"We see growing interest from companies wanting to establish themselves here – both thanks to our deep knowledge of how renewable raw materials can be refined into valuable, fossil-free products and our ability to drive innovation through collaboration. It strengthens the entire region's attractiveness," says Ahmed Alaeddine.