High efficiency is required for good environmental performance when using raw materials and energy. UPM constantly looks for solutions to minimise the environmental impact of its operations when selecting raw materials, energy sources, production methods or developing new products and processes.
Minimising waste, maximising reuse
UPM's goal is to minimise waste and maximise reuse. We do this by reusing or recycling virtually all production waste. UPM’s dedicated professionals and integrated processes promote efficiency at all our units worldwide on a daily basis.
Eco-efficiency goes hand-in-hand with production efficiency and creates cost savings, minimises losses and thus reduces emissions and waste. For example, efficient processes in papermaking result in smaller fibre and pigment losses, better effluent treatment efficiency and less landfill waste. The water circulation of a paper machine is closed and controlled, meaning that the water is circulated in the process multiple times and only part of the water intake is discharged as effluent to the treatment plant. The efficient use of energy means less air emissions.
More from less - lighter papers, thinner labels and faces
As well as typical paper grammages, UPM’s paper product portfolio also includes lighter grades developed especially to help customers reduce their environmental impact and distribution costs. For example, the UPM Opalite, which is used for advertising material, catalogues and directories, was launched over 10 years ago. The 70 gsm copy paper (UPM Future Multitech Eco) is a more recent development.
UPM Raflatac has developed a new range of thin liners and faces to deliver more added value and efficiency to the labelling chain. The new thinner liners and faces do not only help customers cut costs but they also help save materials, storage space and the environment.
Customers get more out of less, as there are more labels on a roll. This means fewer roll changes and a reduction in packaging, transport, stock space and waste. In some cases, there are up to 24% more labels per roll meaning that customers are left with 20% less waste at the end of the labelling process.
Read more about the new thin ProLiner PP30 by clicking the Label Materials link in the right-hand column of this page.
Renewable biofuels production
UPM aims to become a major player in the production of second generation biodiesel and a significant producer of renewable and high quality biofuels in the next few years.
The main raw material that will be used in UPM’s biodiesel production is wood-based biomass. Establishing biodiesel production plants next to existing UPM pulp or paper mills will further enhance the ability to utilise wood raw material efficiently.
The main raw material for UPM’s bioethanol production will be recovered paper. Bioethanol production plants will also be situated alongside existing UPM paper mills to optimise the use of raw material.
Read more about biofuels by clicking the Biofuels link in the right-hand column of this page.
UPM's energy saving campaign and energy audits
Read more about UPM's energy saving campaign and energy audits by clicking the Energy Use and Sources link in the right-hand column of this page.
UPM ProFi - reusing waste
Read more about UPM ProFi by clicking the Waste reduction, reuse and recycling link in the right-hand column of this page.