UPM-Biofore-Magazine-1-2014-EN

CLEAN RUN Since 2011, UPM’s pulp and paper mills have participated in the Clean Run campaign, which aims to improve the environmental performance of production facilities by promoting awareness of environmental issues. Last year, the campaign also expanded to other UPM business areas. Environmental challenges are different for each business area, but faster reporting, learning from others and recognising problems as early as possible are common objectives for all busi- ness units. For example, in Wood Sourcing and Forestry, the campaign focuses on continuous monitoring, meticulous reporting of observations and systematic follow-up on corrective measures. At UPM’s Raflatac mill in Scarborough, UK, the objectives and principles of the Clean Run campaign are implemented by organising regular safety walks. During the walks, teams check their own responsibility area, identify the areas requiring improvement or immediate actions, and share best practice.

RESPONSIBLE USE OF WATER Production of pulp, paper and hydro- power requires large amounts of water. All of UPM’s major production facilities are located in areas with plenty of water. Despite this, it is important that the facilities use water in a responsible manner – in terms of both quantity and quality. UPM aims to minimise the impacts of its use of water on local waterways and to protect the natural circulation of water in forests. All UPM pulp and paper mills are equipped with mechanical and biological wastewater treatment plants. In 2011, a material efficiency programme was launched at all UPM paper mills. The objectives of the programme are to decrease the use of process water and the amount of suspended matter in wastewater. In the Pulp business area, decreasing the consumption of process water is a strategic development project. Last year, UPM completed its project aiming at improving the production processes at the mills. The project also produced a second generation pulp production process where the amount of process water used per tonne of pulp is smaller than at present. UPM’s newest mill in Fray Bentos, Uruguay, is among the best in the world in terms of water consumption. UPM aims at reducing the amount of waste- water generated by 15% in 2020 and the level of chemical oxygen demand in paper production by 20% from the 2008 level. The project has progressed so well that the target for 2020 was tightened in 2012.

UPM PAPER ENA At UPM’s production facilities, material efficiency has been a priority for a long time, but there is always room for improvement. UPM’s Steyrermühl paper mill in Austria generates total savings of around EUR 1.1 million per year thanks to improvements made to the produc- tion process. For example, the mill has reduced its use of chemicals in production. Savings are also generated by decreasing the use of process water and the amount of suspended matter. The improve- ments are part of the material efficiency programme launched by the Paper business area in 2011. "The material efficiency programme has proved successful, thanks to the commitment and smooth co- operation demonstrated by the personnel at UPM’s Steyrermühl mill.

We have already achieved a lot, but we still have some ideas for further improvement," says the mill’s General Manager Matthias Scharre . The project working group consists of different production process experts. On the basis of improvement ideas, 14 projects have already been implemented at the mill. The Steyrermühl mill has also shared its ideas and results with other UPM mills.

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