The use of natural resources is still increasing

Finnish consumption is material-intensive. The average Finn consumes about a hundred tons of natural resources per year, which is more than anywhere else in Europe. A significant portion of the resources consumed is foreign: raw materials contained in imported goods or fuels and other resources used in the production of imported goods.

The total annual use of natural resources in Finland has doubled since 1970. Although resource efficiency has improved – meaning less waste of raw materials – the consumption of goods has grown even more rapidly. The recovery of materials from products is still limited.

The use of foreign natural resources is increasing the most

The overall growth in natural resource utilization is primarily due to increased imports. In terms of domestic resources, annual timber harvests have increased by about a third since the 1980s. Mineral extraction has risen in the 21st century, but peat extraction has significantly declined.

• Use of natural resources and raw materials

Renewable resources are used sustainably, yet the environment still suffers

Throughout Finland, an average of ten percent less wood was harvested between 2016 and 2020 than the forest growth would allow.  However, the use and cultivation of wood resources is still a burden on nature. Forest drainage affects water bodies, and harvesting reduces carbon sinks. For a quarter of Finland's endangered species, forest use is the primary cause of endangerment.

The goal is to curb the consumption of natural resources

Overconsumption of natural resources has been identified as one of the challenges for sustainable development in Finland. The strategic programme for the circular economy from 2021 aims to make the use of natural resources sustainable. The aim is to reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources and halt domestic consumption of renewable resources to the 2015 levels by 2035.

• Strategic programme to promote a circular economy (ym.fi)

Means include the sustainable use of natural resources and the circular economy

This is achieved by using natural resources carefully and avoiding wastage of raw materials. Furthermore, material recycling needs to be increased, and product durability improved. The aim is to double both resource productivity and material recycling rates from the 2015 levels by 2035.

Natural resources statistics