We have time until the end of the decade to meet the UN 2030 goals, to curb climate change and restore our ecosystems. For us, this is a call to action. At UPM, we see the coming years as ones of sustainable growth and restoration; a decade of pivotal action that paves the way for a future beyond fossils.

 

The UPM Forest Action programme outlines an ambitious agenda for us to maximize the positive impact of our forestry operations by the end of the decade. As an industry first, the programme takes a holistic, global view on the impact of forestry, combining measures on five factors: climate, biodiversity, soil, water and social contribution.

 
 

 

Net positive impact on biodiversity

Biodiversity is instrumental to maintaining healthy forest growth. Only by safeguarding robust and diverse forest ecosystems can we provide sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Simply put: no biodiversity, no future beyond fossils.

At UPM, we have had our own biodiversity program since 1998. In 2018, we introduced a target of net positive impact on biodiversity (NPI), which means we take every action to ensure that our impact on biodiversity is positive.

 

UPM acts to improve and restore thousands of hectares of habitats

 
 
 

Our biodiversity commitment

2X

Double the number of broadleaf trees in
company-owned forests in Finland

+++

Generate positive impact
on biodiversity

 
 
 

 

The new Forest Action report is all about sustainable actions

 

Climate: Committed to 1.5°C

Climate change is a challenge of the utmost gravity. As carbon sinks and storages, or as bio-based innovations replacing fossil materials and products, forests play a vital role in the transition to a zero-carbon economy.

At UPM, we are committed to concrete, science-based actions to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. In 2021, we became the first forest company to join The Climate Pledge, a group of sustainability leaders dedicated to meet the Paris Climate Agreement’s decarbonization targets ten years in advance. 

 
 

Our climate commitment

-65%

Reduction of our own CO2 emissions

 

-30%

Reduction of our supply chain CO2 emissions

 

Pioneer climate-positive products

Keep forests as carbon sinks

 
 
 
 

How forests can adapt to climate change and remain long-term carbon sinks

 

Broadleaf trees improve the growth, biodiversity and climate-proofing of forests

 

 
 

Protecting water systems

Today, one in three people globally lacks access to safe drinking water. This inequality puts an obligation on companies to use water responsibly – and to protect water systems wherever they operate.

As part of a complex hydrological cycle, forests play an integral role in purifying water and regulating its movement. At UPM, our sustainable forest management practices prevents negative impacts on water systems and maintains the important role of forests for water-regulation.

 
 
 

Our commitment to water systems

Transition to continuous-cover forestry in nutrient-rich spruce mires

Responsible use of fertilisers

Protect ground water quality

FSC™ & PEFC*

Adopt new FSC & PEFC FM standard to widen buffer zones
*FSC N003385, PEFC/02-44-41

 
 
 

Waterway restoration

 
 

Securing healthy soils

Discussions of atmospheric change rarely involve the ground beneath our feet. Soils, however, play a key role in the carbon cycle as the largest storage of terrestrial carbon and climate resilience of forests. Soil quality and health lay the groundwork for healthy forest growth. We secure healthy soils from the ground up: by matching the right tree species with the right soil type. Our sustainable forest management strategy promotes soil health and prevents damages.

 
 
 

Our commitment to healthy soils

 

Safeguard healthy soils

Pioneer innovative forestry practices to promote good soil conditions and prevent damages.

 
 
 

Indebted to soil: the vital importance of soil to forestry and carbon storage

 
 

Social contribution: Creating value and opportunities

The transition to a post-fossil economy can generate economic wealth and well-being for millions. Together, companies, governments and societies alike must work to ensure that the transformation is just and equitable – that local communities and populations stand to gain from the green transition.

Whether it is forests in Finland or Eucalyptus plantations in Uruguay, the positive societal impact of our operations is immense. Today, UPM employs around 16,600 people, with 54 production plants spread out over 43 countries, creating significant value through employement and tax generation. By working with forest owners, suppliers, partners and vendors, we create value and wellbeing through employment and tax income everywhere we operate. We aim to be a good neighbour and trusted partner to all people, economies and environments affected, both directly and indirectly.

 
 
 

Our commitment to social contribution

Engage local communities and create a positive impact on societies

Ensure safe working conditions throughout our supply chain

Generate value through responsible sourcing and business practices

 
 

Education and cultural exchange in Uruguay

 

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