UPM Pulp Matters 2024

NEWS

UPM receives platinum score in EcoVadis responsibility assessment In this year’s assessment EcoVadis has awarded UPM a platinum score based on the company’s sustainability performance in four categories: Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. Only 1% of the 130,000 global companies assessed received a platinum rating. UPM scored 81/100 in the Manufacture of Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard industry. EcoVadis assesses the performance of globally operating companies in more than 220 purchasing categories and in more than 180 countries. The rating is based on a comprehensive assessment of the companies’ sustainability activities, including verified public information on supply chain practices.

Survey shows cost as main barrier for sustainable packaging Results from a recent survey conducted by UPM and the Pentawards, targeted at leading packaging designers, show that despite the ambitions to develop more sustainable packaging, price was highlighted as a key challenge by the majority of respondents. Although many of the designers acknowledged the importance of using sustainable materials for innovative packaging solutions, the cost frequently deterred their clients, leading many to choose the cheapest option instead. One respondent stated: “Everyone wants to be green, until they see that being green is usually more expensive.” While another noted: “I think the production end, or the manufacturers, are not yet completely ready for this kind of change.” Commenting on the survey findings Robert Taylor , Sustainability Director at UPM Raflatac, stated: “While cost has been highlighted as a barrier to embracing sustainable packaging design, it’s important to take a moment to consider what is the true cost of not doing so. We need a holistic approach that considers the value creation potential in a market that is growing twice as fast for sustainable products. This is especially key as the impact of new regulation and green finance kicks in, with carbon taxes, plastics taxes and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees just a few examples. Reducing packaging is one of the most effective ways to lower impact and cost. Using less raw material, water and energy and generating less waste or having more effective supply chains brings savings and reduces the environmental footprint.”

UPM and Nokian Tyres introduce first concept tyre with UPM BioMotion™ Renewable Functional Fillers UPM Biochemicals and premium tyre developer and manufacturer Nokian Tyres have formed a partnership that will see UPM’s CO₂-negative Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF) introduced as a renewable alternative to traditional CO₂- intensive fillers used in tyres. Functional fillers represent approximately 30% of a tyre and consist of materials such as primarily carbon black and precipitated silica. According to an initial test series by Nokian Tyres, replacing functional fillers with UPM BioMotion™ RFF offers great potential for more sustainable tyres and therefore UPM BioMotion is a highly relevant component on the path towards sustainable mobility.

New Pulp customer portal first step in pulp customers’ digital journey

Aiming to be an industry forerunner in digitalisation UPM is focused on developing digital solutions throughout the value chain, starting with customers. Our new customer portal, UPM Pulp Connect, is currently being developed – based on feedback received from the first pilot users. The aim is to start using the portal later this year. With UPM Pulp Connect our customers have access to all documents, data and contacts important to their

business with UPM in one location. Anssi Käki , VP for UPM Pulp’s Supply Chain & Tools and Processes, sees the portal as the start of a great journey together with our customers. “We have the necessary resources, skills, tools and, most importantly, the will to learn from our customers on how to develop further in serving them better.”

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PULP MATTERS 2024