Your choice of firewood processor really matters
Firewood is a renewable natural resource and an important part of today’s diverse energy mix –and so it will likely remain in the future. Innovative technological solutions are making the use of firewood increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly. But the choice of firewood processor producing that firewood really matters. TP Silva’s responsible approach sets it apart from many of its competitors.
A holistic approach to sustainability
Social and environmental sustainability and responsibility are an integral part of all TP Silva does. Freedom of assembly, salaries in accordance with collective agreements, and voluntary overtime are standard practices for this Finnish company – these principles are adhered to in all circumstances. Yet many people in Finland and in other developed countries take these things so much for granted that they don’t bother to ascertain them when choosing their supplier of firewood processor.
At TP Silva, all employees are provided with proper workwear and protective equipment, and the work is done in facilities offering far more than just shelter from the elements. Unfortunately, we know this is not the case everywhere. We are working systematically to further improve occupational safety, and we expect nothing less from our entire supply chain. Responsibility means accountability. And good social responsibility performance is the best way to contribute to social sustainability and indeed to society at large.
Putting your own house in order
TP Silva has calculated the carbon footprint of its own operations and identified areas for improvement. These are being actively addressed. The introduction of LED lighting at its facilities has significantly reduced electricity consumption. The company has also defined its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol – that is, its direct emissions and those from purchased energy. Further, TP Silva has joined the Chamber of Commerce’s responsibility program and is entitled to use its label in sustainability communications.
Safe, high-quality machines retain their value
TP Silva’s four firewood processor brands represent the technological and responsible cutting edge of the industry. Products sold under the Japa, Palax, Hakki Pilke and X Firewood Factory names are all designed to last “from father to grandson,” and their ability to retain value encourages resale when the owner needs change. In the second-hand market, it has been proven that even a 20-year-old high-quality firewood processor can fetch its original purchase price. As a result, machines manufactured by TP Silva are not scrapped but instead find new life with new owners. Naturally, their primary material, steel, is also recyclable, ensuring their lifecycle can continue in another form if needed.
All products sold under TP Silva’s four brands are designed with top-level safety in mind. The company is committed to advancing industry standards and works actively to bring regulatory oversight and legislation up to the level seen in consumer products – something that is not yet the case across the sector. It is not right for a buyer to have to fully understand all safety-related aspects of a machine in advance. The responsibility rests with the manufacturer. When it comes to safety, we want to remain at the forefront – both in building and demanding safer firewood processors.
Numerous innovations in the Japa, Palax, Hakki Pilke and X Firewood Factory product lines ensure not only safety but also the high quality in the firewood produced. Properly sized, uniform firewood dries and burns efficiently. For example, Japa’s Perfect Split splitting method improves efficiency, precision, and flexibility in firewood production. It also reduces the need to sort raw wood. Similarly, X Firewood Factory can efficiently convert even large volumes of timber into clean, evenly sized firewood. In this way, we also help keep fine particulate emissions under control. And of course, we also provide maintenance and spare parts. We’ve even been asked for spare parts for machines made in the 1960s – and we’ve been able to supply them.
An important part of security of supply
There’s yet another important consideration in firewood production I want to highlight: In Finland, there are approximately 380,000 electrically heated detached houses where wood heating is used almost daily as a supplementary heat source during the winter months. If this wood usage were replaced with electricity, electricity imports would increase by an estimated 41% – equivalent to the output of one nuclear power plant unit. The option to heat with firewood is also indispensable for our national emergency preparedness. That alone is a major and important aspect of responsibility.
Seppo Koiranen
Managing Director, TP Silva Oy