UPM-Biofore-Magazine-2-2017-ENG

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the facility’s energy efficiency has greatly improved, as we have constantly developed our operations at the biorefinery,” explains Helin. UPM’s renewable fuels are produced from waste and residues that are generated by the forest industry. “Renewable rawmaterials which are based on biomass and forest industry residues are a sustainable solution. They also don’t affect supply chains in food production,” notes Helin. In addition to renewable diesel and naphtha, the UPMKaukas mill site in Lappeenranta produces sawn timber, pulp and paper. The mills efficiently utilise each other’s products and residues, minimizing the use of rawmaterial and fuel sourced from elsewhere. The mill is mainly powered by the excess energy generated by pulp production. The bioprocess gases of the refinery are also harnessed for energy. The path to bioeconomy Investing in the production of renewable fuels has proven to be an excellent way to advance also other sectors of the bioeconomy. “As demand grows, companies are investing and expanding their production. At the same time, we are constantly finding new opportunities to replace fossil fuels by utilizing our renewable rawmaterials more efficiently. We are already selling by-products fromproduction at the Lappeenranta Biorefinery to the petrochemical industry for use as rawmaterials for bioplastics,” explains Helin. Consumers are also becoming more aware of their choices, and the industry must keep up with this trend. “Legislative obligations and consumer demand to increase the use of bio-based products go hand-in-hand. Due to the combined effect of both, our dependency on fossil fuels will decrease in the long run,” says Helin. “UPMas a responsible company that develops bioeconomy-focused, sustainable solutions, is set to play a meaningful role in mitigating climate change,” she concludes.

Renewable fuels will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from public transport by 80 per cent, which amounts to 120,000 tonnes per year.

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