-30 by 30

Reducing emissions in our value chain

We are working towards net-zero emissions in our entire value chain to do our part in limiting global warming to 1.5˚C. We mitigate climate change through three commitments: climate-positive forestry, ambitious emissions reductions and an innovative product portfolio.

While this means significant emissions reductions in our own operations, the majority of a company’s carbon footprint is often generated in the value chain. This is also the case with many of UPM’s business areas, which makes emissions reductions in our value chain indispensable.

The -30 by 30 programme aims at reducing emissions from the most significant sources in the value chain by 30 percent by 2030, against 2018 levels.

Collaborating with our partner network

Addressing value chain emissions is complex. First, with our thousands of suppliers and partners, the collection of accurate and complete value chain emissions data to support our decision-making is a considerable effort. Second, when it comes to emissions reductions, one size will not fit all. We welcome the challenge and strive for even closer teamwork with our partner network.

We collaborate with suppliers and partners who are capable and motivated to join us in designing and producing lowcarbon products and solutions. As one of the first steps in this path, we are systematically asking all our suppliers to calculate and report their greenhouse gas emissions.

Making climate a key factor

Traditionally, product development and procurement decisions have been guided by quality and value. We want to change this and make climate a key consideration. This will help us move, together with our partners and suppliers, towards a future beyond fossils.

We can take several actions to achieve the emissions reductions that we aim to achieve under the -30 by 30 programme. As direct and immediate actions, we will reduce our negative climate impacts together with our partners and suppliers through energy, operational efficiency, and technology-related improvements. For more profound impact, we will consider climate as a key factor in selecting our suppliers and partners, as well as in developing our products. As a result, this will encourage us, our customers and our entire value network develop and choose more sustainable solutions. This will increase our positive climate impact permanently.

The foundations for the success of the programme are laid now. We are gathering emissions and other relevant environmental data from our suppliers and partners. This will help us determine the baseline against which the reductions will be made.