UPM-Biofore-Magazine-1-2016-ENG

Elisa Nilsson , UPMVice President, Brand and Communications emphasises that digitalisation will not undercut the role of biomaterials and sustainable products. On the contrary, in the future they will matter more than ever. “Slush strengthens our faith in the future of promising new ideas, technologies andmaterials. I feel it’s our task to remind everyone here that the forest is full of new opportunities. Slush is the perfect place for UPM to broadcast its message.” Digital gateways This year UPM– now attending the event for the second time – presented a tangible challenge to app developers. “Working together with the Guides and Scouts of Finland, we are looking for mobile game developers to create a game that motivates younger generations to learn about forests and the opportunities they offer from a fresh new perspective,” says Paula Savonen , Marketing & Customer Support Manager for UPM Wood Sourcing and Forestry. UPM is also engaging in startup collaboration in the field of forestry and wood sourcing. “We want to create a service for forest owners combining different online data sources andmobile technology. We want the service to be easy to use and understand, our ultimate goal being to help small-scale forest owners to realise the value of the forest they own,” she adds. As much as 30% of Finland’s forested area has gone for thirty years without any forest management, thinning or final felling. “There is potential to increase the area of privately owned forest designated for forest management and sustainable felling. New approaches are needed to activate the private woodmarket,” concludes Savonen.

The perfect match One of the new businesses presenting its ideas at Slush this year was PolarSol, a Finnish company that develops and fabricates heating and cooling systems based on renewable energy for industry, consumers and the public sector. Erik Raita , PolarSol’s marketing and communication director, was more than satisfied after spending two intensive days at the event. “This was our first time attending Slush. We expected a lot from the event beforehand because it brings together customers, investors and other important players. The investor matchmaking sessions offer a great opportunity to create new contacts for companies specialising in energy, the environment and clean technology.” PolarSol’s innovation is a new-generation heat exchanger that can be used effectively for applications such as collecting waste

heat from industrial condensation waters. Its products are manufactured at a factory located in Joensuu, Finland. Raita presented PolarSol’s business to Esa Laurinsilta in the ‘Speed Dating for Circular and Clean Solutions’ session. Laurinsilta, Director for Strategic Partnerships at UPM, agrees that the event is an excellent opportunity to make new contacts and hook up with potential business partners. “It also allows us to spotlight green themes and boost the growth of the bioeconomy and circular economy. We want to challenge startups to develop new ideas and opportunities for using sludge, ash and, in particular, waste heat derived from the pulp and paper process,” says Laurinsilta. Forests of opportunity The Green Stage – in which UPMwas a key partner – brought biomaterials, healthcare and transportation into the limelight this year.

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