Valmet’s social responsibility program continues with several projects around the world

The local social responsibility projects were initiated in all Valmet’s areas: China, Asia Pacific, EMEA, North America and South America.

Valmet’s social responsibility program is part of the company’s sustainability agenda implementation. The program is based on three themes: ‘​Towards the future with science’, ‘Protecting the planet for next generations’​ and ‘Equal opportunities for wellbeing’​. 

”As a global company operating in over 40 countries, we have an impact on numerous communities around the world. We feel it’s our responsibility to make a positive local contribution to the areas where we operate,” says Reetta Loponen, Vice President, Sustainability, at Valmet. 

The local social responsibility projects were initiated in all Valmet’s areas: China, Asia Pacific, EMEA, North America and South America. 

“Some of the projects were selected by employee voting, which I think is an excellent way to increase internal engagement. Many Valmeteers have participated in the local activities throughout the year, and the feedback has only been positive – we are all proud to be part of a company that strengthens its positive impact on communities and promotes a culture of corporate social responsibility,” Loponen says. 

The local projects have an important grassroot level impact 

In China, Valmet continues granting scholarships to undergraduate students in three industry universities and to postgraduate students in five industry universities. Through the scholarships, Valmet wants to further support industrial talent development and promote innovation and sustainable development in pulp, paper and energy industries in China. 

In the EMEA area, Valmet supports the Dąbrówka orphanage in Jelenia Góra, Poland. Last year, Valmet donated a vehicle to the orphanage, enabling safe transportation to school, leisure time activities or specialist doctors. This year’s donation will be used to renovate the orphanage’s sports field. 

“The sports field, despite its poor condition, is eagerly used by the children and their friends from school who come after classes to play. Renovating the sports field will further improve the children’s access to meaningful activities and promote equal opportunities and integration with others,” says Ignacy Dumin, Communication and digital marketing manager, EMEA at Valmet. 

Valmet continues to support the Dąbrówka orphanage in Jelenia Góra, Poland, by renovating the orphanage’s sports field. The vehicle in the picture was donated to the orphanage last year. 

In North America, Valmet continues to support Make-A-Wish®, a non-profit organization granting life-changing wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. 

In South America, Valmet continues to support the Gerando Falcões network and its special program called Circuito Inclusão in Brazil. Circuito Inclusão promotes social inclusion of people with disabilities and their families through leisure activities and accessibility opportunities. 

New initiatives launched in Chile and Indonesia 

In Asia Pasific and Chile, South America, new projects were selected through employee voting. 

In Asia Pacific, Valmet will partner with Bumiterra, an organization in Indonesia dedicated to restoring rainforest, protecting biodiversity and empowering local communities in Borneo.  

“We are looking forward to starting cooperation with Bumiterra through activities that fully support one of Valmet’s social responsibility program’s themes, ‘Protecting the planet for future generations’. During 2024, our goal is to have 3,800 trees planted and 50 different species of flora regenerated in a dedicated area in Borneo rainforest, simultaneously empowering the local community,” says Daisy Yang, Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing, Asia Pacific at Valmet. 

The contract between Valmet and Bumiterra was signed by (from left to right) Wawan Ridwan and Chelpiana Yulianti from Valmet Indonesia, and Tara Lee Susanto and James Joseph from Bumiterra in Indonesia.

In Chile, Valmet will initiate cooperation with a partner organization that supports the well-being and social inclusion of children with limited possibilities through education, sports and cultural activities. 

A remarkable and rewarding journey 

Valmet’s global social responsibility program has been warmly welcomed by the local communities and its results have been outstanding. 

“We are very proud of our accomplishments and want to thank our excellent partners for their dedication to building a better world – whether it’s though science, environment or equal opportunities. Our social responsibility program has been a remarkable journey so far, and we are eagerly looking forward to continuing the work with the familiar partners as well as expanding the cooperation to the new areas,” Reetta Loponen says.