The UN SDGs won't cross the finish line
by themselves
An ambitious plan requires will and effort to succeed. See Johnsen's contribution here
The overarching goal of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is to eradicate hunger, poverty, and inequality around the world—while ensuring decent jobs, education, and better health for all. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are designed to help us achieve that.
At Johnsen, we can make a significant difference in five of these areas in particular. That is why we focus on Quality Education (SDG 4); Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8); Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12); Climate Action (SDG 13); and Life on Land (SDG 15).

Focus on 5 Selected Sustainable Development Goals
The selected Sustainable Development Goals and targets reflect our strategic focus and the areas where we, as a company, have the greatest opportunity to make a real and measurable impact.
The selection of the Sustainable Development Goals is based on our strategy, dual materiality analysis, stakeholder and risk analysis for ISO 14001, compliance with the requirements of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel for Printing and Printed Matter, Cradle to Cradle Certified®, andFSC®, as well as the 2030 Goals. Our activities will have a positive impact on more SDGs than those mentioned, but we have selected the ones that are most relevant to us.
4. Quality Education


4.4 Relevant Skills and Competencies
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Why this Sustainable Development Goal?
We view education and professional development as an important part of both our social responsibility and our long-term growth as a company. This applies to both our current employees and to people who are entering the workforce.
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Here's how we handle it
We contribute to the development of vocational skills through student and apprentice programs, internships, job trials, and partnerships with schools and UngeLøftet, among others. Several employees in production started out as unskilled workers and have since had the opportunity to develop their skills through training with us.
We also work to create opportunities for people with different backgrounds, including through flexible jobs and other tailored programs. In addition, we continuously invest in continuing education and skills development across the organization.
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Goals for 2030
We will increase the number of training hours per employee and continue to strengthen our efforts to develop professional and vocational skills.
8. Decent Jobs and Economic Growth


8.5 Decent Work and Equal Opportunities
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Why this Sustainable Development Goal?
We want to be a workplace that offers equal opportunities for growth and career advancement—regardless of gender, age, background, or functional ability. For us, fair working conditions and a strong workplace go hand in hand.
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Here's how we handle it
We prioritize professional development and ongoing feedback so that our employees have opportunities for both professional and personal growth. We also strive to ensure equal pay for work of equal value through clear job descriptions, consistent employment terms, and a more transparent approach to pay and job categories.
As a member of the employers’ association GRAKOM, we adhere to the collective bargaining agreements that support fair and equitable pay and working conditions. When recruiting and promoting employees, we strive to ensure a fair and objective evaluation based on qualifications and competencies.
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Goals for 2030
We will increase transparency in our pay structure and continue to promote equal opportunities and fair conditions.

8.8 Employee Rights and Occupational Safety and Health
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Why this Sustainable Development Goal?
A safe and healthy work environment is essential for well-being, stability, and responsible operations. That is why we strive to create a workplace characterized by respect, integrity, and psychological safety.
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Here's how we handle it
We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or abusive behavior, and we actively work to ensure good working conditions and opportunities for employee participation. Dialogue between management and employees is important in this context, and we view it as a key tool in our efforts to promote well-being and make improvements.
Our membership in the employers’ association GRAKOM helps ensure proper and fair pay and working conditions. -
Goals for 2030
In 2026, we will conduct an employee satisfaction survey, which we will actively use to identify areas for improvement and develop specific initiatives related to well-being and the work environment.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production


12.2 Sustainable Management of Natural Resources
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Why this Sustainable Development Goal?
The choice of materials and resource consumption are key factors in our environmental impact. That is why it is important for us to ensure documented traceability and make responsible choices in our production.
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Here's how we handle it
We are FSC-certified and focus specifically on paper and other print substrates where traceability and responsible sourcing are important.
In 2025, more than 90% of our products were manufactured using FSC-certified paper. At the same time, we are working with certifications such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and Cradle to Cradle , which set requirements for materials, chemicals, and responsible production conditions. This strengthens both our supplier management and our ability to offer more responsible solutions.
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Goals for 2030
Our goal is for 100% of the paper we use to be FSC-certified, whenever possible.

12.4 Safe Handling of Chemicals and Waste
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Why this Sustainable Development Goal?
Responsible handling of chemicals and waste is important for the environment, public health, and the way our products are used throughout their entire life cycle.
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Here's how we handle it
Through ISO 14001, we work systematically to identify, manage, and reduce our environmental impact. This includes, among other things, chemicals, waste, and resource consumption in production.
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel and Cradle to Cradle also support our work on processes and product design, where requirements regarding chemicals and the life cycle are incorporated from the very beginning.
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Goals for 2030
We will continue to reduce the risk of negative impacts on the environment and human health through improved processes and responsible material selection.

12.5 Waste Reduction
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Why this Sustainable Development Goal?
Waste and waste generation are closely linked to resource consumption, climate impact, and production efficiency. That is why waste reduction is a key focus area for us.
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Here's how we handle it
We are constantly working to reduce waste and optimize material usage in both production and day-to-day operations. Through ISO 14001, we focus on continuous improvements in waste management and resource utilization.
We also collaborate with companies that can recycle our waste materials into new products, and through initiatives such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and Cradle to Cradle , we set requirements for materials and chemicals so that our products can more easily be incorporated into new cycles after use.
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Goals for 2030
We will reduce the total amount of waste and establish more partnerships that support reuse and recycling.
13. Climate Action


13.1 Climate Risks and Adaptation
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Why this Sustainable Development Goal?
The climate affects both our own operations and the environment in which we operate. That is why we are working to understand, manage, and reduce both our own impacts and the risks that may arise as a result of climate change.
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Here's how we handle it
Through our dual materiality analysis and ongoing risk assessments, we identify the most material climate-related impacts, risks, and opportunities. This provides us with a better basis for prioritizing the initiatives that can reduce our climate footprint and strengthen the company’s resilience.
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Goals for 2030
We aim to be significantly more energy-efficient than in 2022 while also reducing our total CO2 emissions through lower energy consumption and increased use of renewable energy.

13.2 Climate in Strategy and Decision-Making
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Why this Sustainable Development Goal?
Climate action requires that sustainability not be treated as something separate from business, but rather be integrated into strategy, planning, and day-to-day decision-making.
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Here's how we handle it
ESG and sustainability are integrated into our overall strategy and into key policies and guidelines, including our Code of Conduct, Environmental Policy, Human Rights Policy, and Sustainability Strategy. Our dual materiality analysis serves as the basis for assessing impacts, setting goals, and prioritizing actions, so that our efforts translate into concrete improvements.
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Goals for 2030
We will continue to integrate climate and sustainability considerations into our decision-making processes, partnerships, and day-to-day operations.
15. Life on Land


15.2 Sustainable Forest Management
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Why this Sustainable Development Goal?
Paper is a key raw material in our business, which is why responsible forestry and traceability are important areas of focus.
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Here's how we handle it
Through our FSC certification, we actively work to support responsible forestry and traceable sourcing in our paper consumption. At the same time, we strive to reduce paper waste and advise customers on more sustainable material choices and the environmental impact of our solutions.
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Goals for 2030
Our goal is for 100% of our paper consumption to be FSC-certified and to reduce paper waste through better planning and optimization.

15.5 Biodiversity
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Why this Sustainable Development Goal?
Biodiversity is a global responsibility, but it is also something that can be supported locally through concrete initiatives.
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Here's how we handle it
We have created a biodiversity garden and installed beehives on the roof to improve living conditions for insects and bees and to make a positive contribution to the local natural environment.
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Goals for 2030
We will maintain and further develop the local initiatives that support biodiversity around our business.
The connection between UN SDG 15 & FSC
UN Sustainable Development Goal number 15 also plays a role in relation to FSC and forest conservation. This SDG is about protecting, restoring and supporting more responsible use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Target 15.2 in particular is relevant to FSC as it focuses on promoting responsible forest management and stopping deforestation.
At Johnsen, we support FSC by actively participating internally in FSC Week every year and celebrating FSC anniversaries. Our goal is to raise consumer awareness and encourage consumers to choose FSC-approved products.
You can find out more about how we work with FSC in production via the link below:


