Sustainability

 

Part of our DNA

Sustainability is a prerequisite for long-term value creation

As successful family business owners, we have the advantage of combining long-term thinking with passion. We are firmly convinced that sustainability is not only compatible with financial performance – but necessary for long-term growth. For decades, we have created and invested in sustainable ideas, companies and industries. Our commitment extends across several areas, such as pellets production, forestry, wind power and digitalisation. This wide range of businesses reflects our conviction that sustainability is an integral part of our success.

Our endeavour to do good and to continuously improve influence everything we do. We see that we can contribute to a positive impact and change in several dimensions by being:

  • Investors in sustainable ideas and companies
  • Responsible owners, driving a sustainable transformation in our portfolio companies
  • A good employer contributing to a sustainable workplace for all employees
  • A member of society who can provide essential resources for a sustainable future

Our journey has only just begun. We continue to explore and develop new perspectives for sustainability, always with an eye on the future and deep respect for the challenges we face, but also with a belief that we can all contribute.

Image Hallbarhet JCE

Focus areas in our sustainability work

Climate impact

The goal is to reduce emissions and increase the positive impact. We have set ambitious targets for ourselves and our portfolio companies, and we continuously measure to act on our emissions. JCE takes an active role and aims to be a role model in climate efforts for net-zero emissions.

Sustainable investments

We invest in both companies that are part of the solution to current sustainability challenges, as well as in businesses in traditional sectors that will be needed over time. As active owners, we support our companies in driving sustainability development based on their specific circumstances. Sustainability is one of our essential criteria for new investments.

Corporate governance

Our active ownership is part of our mission and an important tool for making a difference in our companies. Through good and clear governance – and with a consistent thread running through owner’s directives, board agendas and the companies’ strategies and actions – we, as owners, can influence our companies and their value chains. 

Equality & well-being

As a direct and indirect employer, we have both a responsibility and an opportunity to work for inclusion and diversity, as well as to prioritise health and well-being. This involves concrete actions and goals ranging from achieving gender-equal boards and management teams to ensuring a work environment where all employees feel valued and safe.

Transparency & collaboration

“Together” is not only one of our core values, but it is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy. We are convinced that collaboration is the key to conducting our sustainability efforts. The strength lies in our shared experiences and insights. By continuing to develop our cooperation and transparency on sustainability issues, we create an ecosystem to support and develop each other. Beyond this, it is important for us to act as role models, both within and outside the JCE sphere.

Sustainability work in practice

Here are some examples of how our sustainability efforts come to life in practice, by driving innovation, enabling sustainable solutions, protecting nature, and supporting the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

JCE Sustainability & Innovation award

In 2023, JCE introduced our Sustainability & Innovation Award to recognize and encourage sustainable and innovative initiatives across JCE Group and JCE South America. The award highlights initiatives that create tangible positive impact – environmentally, socially and economically – and that have the potential to be scaled for broader effect. Entries are evaluated on the impact of the sustainable innovation or change – weather a product, service, process, or business model – on the company, its employees, and the planet. Both the results achieved and the process behind them are assed.

By rewarding initiatives that deliver both sustainability and business value, we want to inspire companies in the Group to advance their sustainability efforts and drive innovation in line with our long-term strategy.

Winners of the 2025 award:

  • JCE Chile Real Estate Development (Gestión Inmobiliaria JCE S.A.) was recognized for pioneering industrialized wood construction and energy-efficient housing in a market where such solutions are still rare. Their Valle Noble project combines sustainability, innovation and long-term customer value by replacing traditional building materials such as concrete and steel with renewable wood panels, preparing for solar integration, and significantly reducing emissions throughout the building life cycle. The building’s life cycle. With low energy needs, use of recycled materials and reduced construction waste, the projects nets a new benchmark for sustainable housing in the region

Winners of the 2024 award:

  • Bruks Siwertell Group for a group-wide initiative embedding sustainability awareness and commitment throughout the organization, combining educational efforts in sustainability and diversity with practical training on waste reduction.

Winners of the 2024 award:

  • In the first year, two entries received the award. Baltic Safety Products for developing the first lifeguard vest made from recycled materials, fully compliant with European safety standards. JCE Chile Forestry (Aserraderos JCE) for the initiative to install a 2,000 kW solar power system at the sawmill, estimated to cover 26% of the plant's energy needs and reducing CO₂ emissions by 1,600 tons annually.

Majorebergsleden – a natural area to protect and experience

Within the JCE sphere, there is a significant forest holding. The Ericsson family's long-standing passion for nature is the foundation of this commitment – and forest ownership has, in turn become a driving force behind their engagement in sustainability. For Fabienne and Hampus Ericsson, the siblings and second generation that today lead the family business JCE, nature is not only a resource to be protected but also something to be shared and experienced by more people.

With Majorebergsleden, they have initiated the creation of a protected and accessible outdoor recreation area on part of the family’s land in Majoreberg, west of Uddevalla on the Swedish westcoast. The project was developed in collaboration with the municipality of Uddevalla and secured through a 20-year conservation agreement. This agreement ensures the preservation of the natural values around Kärraån, a biologically rich watercourse home to species such as sea trout, beaver, and kingfisher.

The trail, inaugurated in May 2023, stretches 3.5 kilometers and offers both accessible walking paths and more challenging forest trails. It begins with a 700-meter gravel path leading to a family-friendly barbecue area. From there, the train continues as a natural forest path with views over the valley and several cultural and historical features – including a Stone Age settlement, a millstone and a waterfall.

  • The purpose is to make nature more accessible, especially for children and young people. Being introduced at an early age to the rich local wildlife and plantlife createsthe foundation for a lasting interest in nature for future generations, says Hampus Ericsson.

Through Majorebergsleden, nature conservation is combined with accessibility – a concrete example of how sustainability efforts can take physical form and benefit the wider community.

Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs

As a second-generation family-owned company built in a strong entrepreneurial spirit, we are committed to supporting young people with ideas, drive and ambition to create thriving businesses that contribute positively to society. For many years, we at JCE have been a proud partner of Ung Företagsamhet (Junior Achievement Sweden) – a non-profit educational organisation that provides young people with the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills and strengthen their enterprising abilities. Each year, tens of thousands of students take part in UF’s programmes, gaining valuable experiences that prepare them for future working life and societal challenges. Since Ung Företagsamhet (UF) began its activities in Sweden 1980, more than 640,000 students have participated in running UF companies.

As part of our partnership, we have established the JCE Entrepreneurship Award – a scholarship aimed at former UF students (alumni) who wish to continue developing their business beyond the UF year. The award is presented annually to one or more young entrepreneurs with a well-founded business idea, strong drive, and the ambition to turn their vision into reality.

We believe that entrepreneurship, responsibility, drive and innovation are essential for long-term value creation, both in business and society at large. With great commitment, we follow the journeys of young entrepreneurs who continue beyond UF, and their efforts to transform ideas into successful enterprises.

JCE

We are a family-owned group with 50 years of experience

Head office in Gothenburg, Sweden

 

JCE Adress
Högåsplatsen 3,
412 56 Gothenburg,
Sweden

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