Pulp Matters 1/2022

F IBRE PHENOMENA

WE HAVE BEEN DEVELOPING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR EUCALYPTUS PLANTATIONS SINCE THE BEGINNING

SUSTAINABLE CYCLE UPM has two tree nurseries on the west side of Uruguay, where it grows all the seedlings destined to grow in the plantations. 44 million seedlings will be grown each year in UPM’s three tree nurseries. A third nursery is currently under construction, and that will increase the availability of seedlings by 10 million. The seedling nurseries employ people from nearby rural communities and the majority of them are women. The growth cycle of a eucalyptus tree is relatively short – from 10 to 12 years. During this time, agrochemicals and fertilisers are only used during the first year. The impact on local water reserves has also been well researched. The eucalyptus tree is very efficient in using water and does not use groundwater. The planning of plantations is careful work. Plantations in Uruguay are subject to the local forestry law and beyond that all UPM forest plantations in Uruguay have FSC TM (FSC-C020173) and PEFC (PEFC/36-22-002) certification. These certifications cover economic, environmental and social responsibility standards for sustainable forest management, and the process is audited every year. Fitipaldo says the most important thing is to have a clear vision of the future in terms of sustainability.

16

PUL P MAT TERS 01/2022