Norske Skog Saugbrugs wins the 2025 Akan award – a strong recognition of a safe and inclusive workplace

26/11/2025

We are proud to announce that Norske Skog Saugbrugs has received the Akan Award 2025, honouring our systematic work to prevent addiction and strengthen a safe, supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

AKAN recognizes Norske Skog Saugbrugs for having worked systematically for decades to build a strong culture of care, partnership, and responsibility. With a long tradition of close cooperation between management and employees, Norske Skog Saugbrugs has also shown exceptional commitment in recent years to supporting apprentices and addressing issues linked to substance use and mental health.

“Presenting the award to Halden’s cornerstone company, one with a long tradition of cooperation, engaged top management, and a deeply ingrained culture of care, is a great pleasure,” says Lasse Billington, Chair of the Board at AKAN Competence Center.

“Our AKAN work is firmly rooted in both culture and practice through clear leadership anchoring, solid cooperation, systematic follow-up, and genuine care,” says HR Advisor Rannveig Staal Pettersen, who received the award together with HSE Manager Lisa Grimstad, youth representative Erik Hoffgaard, and union leader Tore Østensvig.

“The AKAN Award gives us extra motivation to keep improving how we support employees,” concludes a delighted Tore Østensvig.

Managing Director Anders Hauge-Johansen says:

“This recognition means a great deal to us. A safe and inclusive workplace is a cornerstone of our culture, and the Akan Award confirms that our long-term efforts truly make a difference for our employees.”

Congratulations to the Norske Skog Saugbrugs team and all involved, the Group looks forward to continuing this important work for our people, our community, and our industry.

Photo: Vilde Fagerland, Akan kompetansesenter