Spreading social responsibility through local projects around the world
Mar 4, 2025
Valmet’s global social responsibility program is part of the company’s sustainability agenda implementation. The program is based on three themes promoting science, nature, and equal opportunities for well-being. Based on these themes, several local projects in Valmet’s operating areas worldwide are selected for the program each year. Let’s have a look at what we have accomplished.
Asia Pacific: Restoring the rainforest and empowering local communities in Borneo
Since the beginning of 2024, Valmet has partnered with Bumiterra, an organization dedicated to restoring rainforest, protecting biodiversity and empowering local communities in Borneo, Indonesia. The target was to plant up to 3800 trees and regenerate up to 50 different species of flora while supporting the local community in Valmet’s restoration area in Rumbih Village in West Kalimantan.
“Looking at our accomplishments, more than 3200 trees have already been planted. They represent as many as 39 different species, cultivating a resilient and diverse ecosystem, and enhancing ecological stability while supporting cultural, commercial, and economic value. The land is maintained by three local keepers from Rumbih Village,” says Naparat Phutanavarat, Manager, AP Brand & Marketing and SEA MarCom.
“We had the opportunity to visit Valmet’s dedicated area in Rumbi Village some months ago, and meeting with the local residents was truly inspiring,” Naparat says.
Valmet's Retno Ayo (yellow shirt), Novika Meirilyn (pink shirt with hood), and Naparat Phutanavarat (jean jacket) visited Valmet’s dedicated rainforest in Borneo together with Bumiterra’s staff and local keepers.
China: Granting scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate students
In China, the social responsibility program focuses on supporting talented youth in several industrial universities by granting scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
“Through the scholarship program, we aim to foster the concept of industrial sustainability and promote innovation among students and professors. Additionally, postgraduate students are encouraged to engage in research on biomass utilization, CO2 reduction, and recycling,” says Jingwei Liu, Head of Marketing and Communications, China Area.
The Valmet scholarship awarding event for Guangxi University was held at Valmet’s Beihai service center in December 2024. Chengrong Qin, the dean of the Light Industry and Food Engineering Institute of Guangxi University, along with five professors, 12 award-winning postgraduate students and six undergraduate students at the Electrical Engineering Institute of Guangxi University participated in the event.
EMEA: Bringing joy and feeling of inclusion for children with disabilities
EMEA Area continues to promote equal opportunities for children. For several years, Valmet supported the Dąbrówka Orphanage located in Jelenia Góra, Poland. In 2024, a new partnership was initiated with Institut Saint-André in Cernay, France, just a short drive from Valmet’s local Service Center.
Institut Saint-André is dedicated to the recreation, accommodation and care of people with mental or physical disabilities. It welcomes people of all ages, but for children and youth with disabilities, it offers distinct services including foster care and special education.
“It is important for us as a company to participate in the lives of the local communities where we operate, and we are very happy for having the opportunity to support Institut Saint-André in Cernay. Enhancing equal opportunities for well-being is one of the key themes of Valmet’s social responsibility program, and I’m convinced that the special touch table ActiveTab and the electric tandem bike we donated will help to enrich the children's daily lives while creating moments of joy together with their friends and families as well as the professionals who take care of them,” Tero Kokko, Area President, EMEA Area, says.
The Institute's professionals are specialized in developing the educational and social skills of its permanent residents and those who attend the various activities on a daily basis.
North America: Making a difference for children and sustainability
For two years, Valmet has supported the Make-A-Wish® Foundation, helping to bring joy and hope to children diagnosed with severe illnesses. Valmet’s efforts contributed to the foundation’s ability to grant 503 wishes, making a lasting difference for many children and their families.
In May 2024, Valmeteers from the Atlanta office came together to participate in the 20th Annual Walk/Run For Wishes at Truist Park in Georgia.
In the beginning of 2025, we are excited to embark on a new initiative with One Tree Planted. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to global reforestation, supporting forest fire recovery, land restoration, and habitat protection in key regions around the world.
“Valmet’s support will help plant trees in multiple U.S. states, six Canadian provinces, and Mexico, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We will remain committed to making a meaningful impact—both for people and the planet. The partnership will bring volunteer opportunities for local Valmeteers, and together we can build a more sustainable future for generations to come,” says David Nelson, Interim Head, North America.
One Tree Planted focuses on global reforestation efforts, supporting forest fire recovery, land restoration, and habitat restoration.
South America: Supporting the inclusion of children and youth in Chile and Brazil
In South America, Valmet supports two local organizations, one in Chile and one in Brazil, both working to improve the social inclusion of children and youth.
“In Chile, we work with an institution called Hogar de los sueños, which seeks to support children coming from vulnerable socio-economic conditions. The institution’s mission is to provide those children with opportunities to develop their skills in sports or arts and thereby keep them away from the streets after school. With our support, Hogar de los sueños seeks to impact 30 percent more children in vulnerable areas of Santiago,” explains Bárbara Arroyo, Senior Marketing ＆ Communication Analyst.
Through Hogar de los suenos, children are occupied in sport or art hobbies after school and simultaneously a part of a wellbeing program, encouraging them to develop their talent regardless of their socio-economic background.
In Brazil, Valmet continues to support the Gerando Falcões, an ecosystem that delivers education, economic development and citizenship services in the Brazilian favelas, slums, with a mission to dispose poverty. The local project will be selected later in the spring.
Valmet's global social responsibility program
Valmet has expanded its global social responsibility program initiated in 2020 with new area-specific local projects around the world.
Valmet’s social responsibility program is part of the company’s sustainability agenda implementation. The program is based on three themes promoting science, nature and equal opportunities: ‘Towards the future with science’, ‘Protecting the planet for next generations’ and ‘Equal opportunities for wellbeing’.
Based on these themes, several local projects in Valmet’s operating areas around the world have been selected to the program. Valmet’s local personnel has participated in the planning and preparation of the projects, and the final selection has been made by employee voting.
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