Once again, Paper Province has demonstrated its status as a global leader among cluster organisations. For the third time, the Swedish bioeconomy cluster has attained the highest level of the EU's quality certification, affirming its position as a Gold Label cluster.

"Receiving the certificate for the third time is truly a fantastic achievement. It not only demonstrates our position as a top-tier cluster organisation globally, but also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement," remarks Paul Nemes, Vice President of Paper Province.

Currently, Paper Province is the only organisation in Sweden holding an active gold certificate, and one of a total of 62 clusters worldwide at the gold level. 

The Cluster Organisation Management Excellence Label Gold, as it is formally known, is an international certification established by the European Commission.  Attaining gold status signifies meeting rigorous criteria encompassing cluster development, quality, leadership, strategy, visibility, financing, and collaboration.

A Driving Force for the Bioeconomy

To qualify, Paper Province underwent evaluation by the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis (ESCA), a network of cluster experts. ESCA's assessment underscores Paper Province as a pivotal driver for the forest-based bioeconomy, which is a sector with potential to significantly contribute to a more sustainable future.

Paper Province received the Gold Label for the first time in 2018, was certified again in 2020, and has since continued to develop and improve its operations, enabling recertification once again. This process demands tangible progress that not only benefits the organisation but also the industries it represents.

"We have demonstrated our strategic and systematic approach in leading initiatives that foster sustainable transformation through various means, including collaborative projects, events, communications, and support for innovation," explains Gry Lenschow Andersen, Project Manager at Paper Province and the coordinator of the certification process.

A Source of Regional Pride

The attainment of the Gold Label is not only a source of pride for Paper Province and its 130 member companies but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders within the Värmland region, where Paper Province serves as a central hub for the bioeconomy.

Recognizing the forest-based bioeconomy as a cornerstone of regional strength, Region Värmland has prioritized its development. Therefore, the Gold Label serves as more than just recognition; it symbolizes a commitment to excellence for all involved in forest-based development in and around the region.

"In our regional development strategy, we envision a sustainable Värmland that can change the world. Central to this vision is maximizing the value derived from our forests. By fostering collaboration, we aspire to lead the way in green transition initiatives. The Gold Label reaffirms our progress towards realizing this vision," says Dag Hallén, bioeconomy strategist at Region Värmland.