Metsä Group Clarifies Disputed Timber Supply for Google Finland Data Centers

Metsä Group Clarifies Sourcing for Finland Data Centers

Metsä Group, a Finnish timber company, has issued a statement regarding its wood sourcing for Google's data center construction sites in Kajaani and Muhos, Finland. The company clarified that it neither conducted nor commissioned any harvesting operations at these specific sites.

Metsä Group stated that it has consistently operated within legal boundaries and has not acquired wood or harvesting rights directly from Google. The issue arose after a supplier, previously assessed as reliable, delivered a volume of wood that later became subject to dispute.

This delivery included approximately 5,000 cubic meters from the Kajaani site and around 50 cubic meters from the Muhos site. These combined volumes represent a minor fraction, roughly 0.3%, of Metsä Group's total monthly wood consumption.

Supplier Agreement Breach and Suspension

Upon discovering the uncertainties in mid-September, Metsä Group took immediate action against the supplier. Juha Jumppanen, EVP of Metsä Group’s Wood Supply and Forest Services, stated that the supplier failed to comply with the terms of their agreement. Consequently, Metsä Group filed a formal complaint and promptly suspended all deliveries from that supplier.

The company emphasizes that its wood supply agreements mandate that all timber delivered must be legally sourced and meet specific requirements concerning its origin. Metsä Group places the responsibility for adhering to applicable legislation and certification standards on each party within the wood supply chain.

Supply Chain Compliance and Audit Protocols

The felling operations at the data center sites were carried out by local forest management associations, which hold the felling rights and are therefore responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation. Metsä Group maintains a rigorous assessment process for its suppliers, conducting regular audits.

Additionally, certified suppliers are subject to oversight by independent third-party bodies, adding another layer of verification. In instances where wood with a disputed origin has already been processed at a production facility, Metsä Group implements a protocol to remove an equivalent volume of wood from its reported certified stock.

This measure ensures the accuracy of its certified wood volume reporting. The company has committed to monitoring the situation and acting in accordance with guidance from relevant authorities.

Action for Asia Materials Buyers

This incident shows the critical importance of thorough supply chain verification for procurement teams across Asia. Buyers of timber and wood products for construction and FF&E projects should review their supplier audit processes by 31 December 2026.

Specifically, procurement managers must request detailed documentation proving legal sourcing and origin for all wood deliveries, especially from new or unfamiliar suppliers. Confirming that suppliers are subject to independent third-party oversight for their certifications, such as FSC or PEFC, provides an additional layer of assurance.

This proactive approach helps mitigate risks associated with disputed materials and ensures compliance with increasingly stringent global timber regulations.