UPM-Biofore-Magazine-1-2017-ENG

TEXT VESA PUOSKARI   PHOTOGRAPHY MATTI IMMONEN, UPM; COURTESY OF THE INTERVIEWEE Paper

Fluent reading and writing skills are required in all professions. This is why UPM supports young people’s reading skills through several learning projects around the world.

– a sustainable choice for communications

people,” describes Stefanie Eichiner , Manager of Environmental Market Support CE at UPMPaper ENA. Many people also like to save important official documents in printed form. “They like to have manuals, insurance documents, bills and statements in a paper format because they can trust it and find it a practical, durable and secure way to keep them,” she adds. When talking about the future of paper, Eichiner cites several studies that emphasise positive learning experiences associated specifically with print. “For example, people remember things better when they write notes on paper instead of typing on a laptop. They have to concentrate and think about what they are listening to when they write down key points, triggering more neural connections in the brain and enhancing the learning process.” There are similar studies confirming the advantages of reading stories in books. Students learn better when flipping pages instead of skimming and scrolling text on screen. “Evidence suggests that print media supports fluent reading and writing skills

“Paper remains one of the most sustainable

Thanks to renewable raw material, a low carbon footprint and efficient recycling options, print media remains one of the most sustainable choices for mass communication. I n addition to positive environ­ mental aspects, paper represents durable and emotional value for many people. “People are very attached to paper and printedmedia, despite the rapid emergence of digital communication. Written documents like letters, post­ cards, books and family photos on the desk have lasting emotional value for

products on the market,” confirms Stefanie Eichiner, Manager of Environmental Market Support CE at UPM Paper ENA.

Stefanie Eichiner

that are required in all professions. This is why UPM is very keen to improve young people’s reading skills through several learning projects around the world,” she says. The ecological footprint of media Eichiner highlights the fact that all forms of media consumption inevitably have an ecological impact. In Germany, for example, people spend an average of 30minutes a day reading news articles. The ecological impact is higher, however, if they spend this time on

electronic devices instead of reading news in print. “Electronic devices consume energy continuously to keep the content available and updated. People seemnot to realise this because the content is virtual,” she observes. The Bavarian StateMinistry for the Environment has conducted a study comparing the ecological footprint of online and print news consumption in Europe, based on the average time spent reading the news of 30minutes per day. The results show that the ecological

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