Environmental regulations in the Swedish forest industry. What is the real problem?

The Swedish forest industry faces many regulations. In many cases they are used to eliminate, or diminish, negative external effects on the environment. The aims of most regulations are well accepted among decisions makers in the industry and in society. However, in many cases the implementation can present problems, the reason being bureaucracy.

The Ortviken paper mill is located just north of Sundsvall, which is a middlesized town in the northern part of Sweden. SCA, one of the world’s largest forest companies, owns and operates the mill. In the beginning of the 1990s, Ortviken planned for an expansion, which was...