.app-navigation__wrapper--for-seo { display: block !important; }

Decarbonizing the supply chain

As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce supply chain emissions, we ask selected suppliers to provide their product carbon footprint data.

Dive deeper into UPM’s -30 by 30 program to learn how we're working with our suppliers to reduce Scope 3 emissions.

Reporting and calculating the product carbon footprint (PCF)

The full supplier guideline on calculating product carbon footprint

How to fill out the questionnaire (tutorial)

Logistics and other service providers

Reporting and calculating the product carbon footprint (PCF)

We are working towards reducing emissions across the full supply chain (Scope 3) as part of our -30 by 30 program. We request that selected suppliers and partners provide data on the carbon footprint of the goods and materials we purchase.

This product carbon footprint (PCF) data must be updated and reported to us annually. Once onboarding begins, we will provide suppliers with a link to our supplier decarbonization platform.

Mandatory environmental requirements

Providing product carbon footprint data for products and services is one of our key environmental requirements for suppliers and third-party partners, in addition to other general supplier requirements:

The UPM Supplier and Third-Party Code is mandatory for all our suppliers.

The UPM Supplier Assessment Criteria provide a general overview of all supplier requirements.

Category-specific requirements are relevant to different business areas.

Scope of the PCF calculation

The product carbon footprint (PCF) data should encompass the relevant cradle-to-gate greenhouse gas emissions of a product or service. This includes all relevant emissions from the supplier's upstream supply chain and operations.

The visualization below illustrates the scopes to be included in the PCF calculation. We do not require suppliers to report the three scopes separately in their PCFs, except for downstream Scope 3 emissions as outlined below.

For Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity and heat, we recommend using the market-based approach for emissions calculation. For more details, see the specific considerations section.
For downstream Scope 3 emissions for transportation from the supplier’s facility to UPM, emissions should be reported if the transportation is arranged by the supplier. These emissions must be reported separately from the PCF and should, if possible, cover well-to-wheels, as explained in the specific considerations section. We recommend our suppliers to report primary emissions data from carriers if this is available. Alternatively, the emissions can be calculated using suitable data sources as mentioned below.
The carbon footprint data is to be disclosed in kg of CO₂e per unit of product, excluding biogenic carbon, for more information, see the specific considerations section. The unit of product refers to, for example, liters, cubic meters, or tons of product. The reported unit should be in line with the purchase order. If the carbon footprint data is not reported in 100% dry matter or active substance, it must be clearly stated.

Specific considerations

Quality of the product carbon footprint information

Whenever possible, the product carbon footprint calculation should be based on primary data, meaning data about the actual consumption of materials, energy, etc. collected directly at the source. If this is not possible, secondary data can be used. Secondary data refers to, for example, data derived from research, governmental or other public organisations and databases.

Examples of reliable secondary data sources below:

Use of credible standards and information

At a minimum, the product carbon footprint calculation should follow the GHG Protocol Product standard or applicable ISO standards, notably the ISO 14067. For logistics emissions, the EN 16258 standard is recommended.

We recommend conducting the product carbon footprint calculations according to:

the most recent valid industry association recommendations

Product Category Rules (PCRs) by the Environmental Product Declaration (the International EPD System)

other program operators’ Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method and the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) by the European Commission

Transparency of the carbon footprint information

The product carbon footprint should account for all the significant emissions sources along a product’s or a service’s life cycle. The exclusion of life cycle stages, processes, inputs, or outputs is only permitted if they do not significantly change the overall conclusions of the PCF.

Any exclusions must be clearly stated and reported as part of the PCF, together with the threshold that has been used to determine whether an emissions source is significant (significance threshold). The reasons for exclusion and their implications must also be explained.

We strongly recommend that an accredited third-party conduct an assurance or verification of the PCF data, or alternatively, that a critical review or a peer review is conducted. If there is no widely used methodology for calculating the PCF for a specific type of product or service, or if the methodology is under development, collaboration with a credible institution or organization is recommended for ensuring the reliability and transparency of the calculation methodology.

The full supplier guideline on calculating product carbon footprint

This document provides further guidance on these requirements for UPM’s suppliers and partners.

Chinese

English

French

German

Polish

Spanish

How to fill out the questionnaire

Our UPM Sourcing contact person will request the data. Please direct any questions primarily to them. Once you receive the questionnaire, follow the instructions in this tutorial.

Logistics and service providers

We understand that calculating a product carbon footprint may be challenging or irrelevant for our logistics and service providers. We are working closely with our indirect materials and service suppliers to find ways to calculate and report their CO₂ emissions. Potential solutions may include identifying a suitable unit of measurement, such as kilograms of CO₂ emissions per hour worked, or taking a spend-based approach. Please contact your UPM representative for more information.

Story | 04/16/2020 10:16:58 | 5 min

Creating bigger, stronger and more resilient trees

Story | 04/07/2020 05:12:21 | 2 min

Digital and print materials are both useful in the classroom

Story | 03/20/2020 08:49:39 | 5 min

From the bottom of a soaking pond to a commercial soil conditioner

Story | 03/19/2020 10:02:10 | 5 min