UPM-Biofore-Magazine-1-2016-ENG

Less WATER USAGE

Less WASTE

-25%

Process wastewater volume per tonne of paper

-32%

Total amount of solid waste to landfils

More RECYCLING

Less ENERGY

+18%

Usage of recovered paper

-20%

Electricity consumption per tonne of paper

FORESTS ABSORB CARBON DIOXIDE

all of UPM’s combined carbon dioxide emissions in Finland and Germany – and the forests we own account for only 10–15 per cent of the wood-based rawmaterial that we use in our production processes,” she says. Goodbye to fossil raw materials The Forest Solutions Group notes that the forest industry already now fabricates many biomass-based recyclable products that can replace fossil rawmaterials. Salpakivi adds that the whole point of UPM’s Biofore Strategy is to replace fossil rawmaterials with recyclable products fabricated from renewable bio-basedmaterials. “In addition, we continually invest in projects to improve our resource efficiency and emission-free energy production. Thanks to continuous improvements and innovations, we have successfully decreased our waste levels and water and energy consumption.” The FSG has also urged policymakers to agree on common principles for calculating greenhouse gas emissions generated through the use of different raw materials. These tools would help different countries to create consistent policies and reduce regulatory risks. The FSG’s member companies are committed to promoting sustainable forest management andmeeting the global demand for forest products by boosting the use of renewable and innovative bio-based products.

UPM and the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) have been developing a method for assessing ‘ecosystem services’, i.e. the additional benefits derived along- side the production of wood-based products. This pilot study focused on the environmental impacts of forests used for the production of one tonne of pulp. The study examined the amount of wood required for the production of one tonne of softwood pulp at UPM in Finland, as well as the time required for the trees to grow. The results revealed that trees purify over eight million litres of water and absorb over 4,000 kg of carbon dioxide during their lifetime. UPM’s operations are based on using wood in multiple efficient ways to produce not only pulp, but also sawn timber, plywood, composites, papers and label materials. The company also utilises industrial by-products and residues to produce energy, bio-chemicals and renew- able diesel.

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