(UPM, Helsinki, 9 May 2012) - UPM has signed a member agreement with Cleantech Finland. UPM believes that cleantech cooperation will support implementation of the company's Biofore strategy as a frontrunner of the new forest industry.
“UPM is a leading producer of biomaterials and renewable energy. Our products are based on renewable raw materials, are recyclable and carbon-binding in addition to providing a bio-based alternative to non-renewable materials. Our strategy and innovations are based on sustainable development leading to a low-carbon bioeconomy. Thus, UPM is essentially a cleantech company,” says Hans Sohlström, UPM’s Executive Vice President for Corporate Relations and Development.
As the Biofore company, UPM is committed to reducing the environmental impacts of its products and operations throughout their lifecycle. Sustainable products, climate, water, forest and waste are key areas of UPM’s environmental responsibility. The company is constantly striving to improve its environmental performance and achieve the long-term targets set for 2020.
“The core of cleantech cooperation involves networking with players in the industry, and cooperation will allow us to put new technological innovations into use more quickly and cost-effectively. Cleantech Finland membership supports our goals and implementation of the Biofore strategy,” says Hans Sohlmström.
Cleantech Finland links Finnish companies to global environmental challenges
The Cleantech Finland network comprises nearly 100 Finnish companies that focus on environmental business. UPM is the first forest company to join the Cleantech family, which already includes many large Finnish companies Kemira, Outokumpu, Metso, Wärtsilä, Vacon, Outotec, Ruukki, Pöyry, Neste Oil and Fortum.
Cleantech Finland links leading cleantech experts and channels Finnish expertise to meet global demand. A new feature of the network is the SOLVED expert service, which brings together companies, customers and other stakeholders, problems and solutions to them on a single platform that makes it possible to utilize completely new operating methods and forms of cooperation.
“It’s wonderful to have UPM join the Cleantech Finland network. Effective networking and finding partners that will be successful in the future is a prerequisite for remaining at the forefront of international business. The cleantech business is growing all over the world and developing regions are investing in solutions that are environmentally sustainable," explains Santtu Hulkkonen, Executive Director of Cleantech Finland.
For further information:
UPM: Hans Sohlström, Executive Vice President for Corporate Relations and Development, UPM, tel. +358 20 41 50542
Cleantech Finland: Santtu Hulkkonen, Executive Director, tel. +358 40 343 3341 or santtu.hulkkonen@finpro.fi
Cleantech Finland
The Cleantech Finland network brings together leading Finnish cleantech experts and links Finnish competence with global demand. Cleantech Finland is building the country’s reputation as a leading environmental country and the top supplier of clean technology. The Cleantech Finland brand is owned by the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK. Finpro is responsible for marketing and communications. www.solved.fi
UPM
As a frontrunner of the new forest industry, UPM leads the integration of bio and forest industry into a new, sustainable and innovation-driven future. We create value from renewable and recyclable materials.
Cost leadership, change readiness and the engagement and safety of our people form the foundation of our success. UPM comprises three business groups: Energy and pulp, Paper and Engineered materials.
In 2011, UPM’s sales exceeded EUR 10 billion. UPM has production plants in 16 countries and it employs approximately 24,000 people worldwide. UPM shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki stock exchange. www.upm.com
