Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct forms the framework for all our operations and sets out standards of behaviour for all employees including executives and directors without exception. It covers topics relating to legal compliance and disclosure, conflicts of interest, gifts and anti-bribery, HR practices, human rights issues and environmental matters. Our Code of Conduct has been approved by the Board of Directors.

UPM’s objective is to pursue long term profitable business in an ethical and responsible manner taking into account economic, human and social, as well as environmental matters.

Striving towards sustainable development and continuous improvement are part of the everyday way of operating at UPM. UPM's Code of Conduct, leadership principles and values create the frame for the way of working and underline UPM's commitment to responsible business practices. 

The Code of Conduct is complemented by more detailed rules and guidelines approved by the Group Executive Team, business areas and global functions. These rules and guidelines cover, among others, such topics as anti-bribery, competition law compliance, contract management, taxation, human resources, environment, safety, and equality. All company rules and guidelines have to be in full compliance with the Code of Conduct.

All UPM employees must comply with the Code of Conduct. Employees are encouraged to contact supervisors, managers or other appropriate personnel when in doubt about the best course of action in a particular situation.

UPM strives to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct by training employees, by raising awareness through active communication and by developing our risk management, monitoring and reporting processes.

Employees who violate the Code are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Employees are required to report any possible violations against this Code to their managers or a representative of UPM Legal, UPM HR or UPM Internal Audit. Through the Report Misconduct channel, which is available on UPM’s intranet and corporate website, concerns and issues can be confidentially and anonymously addressed to the head of UPM’s Chief Audit Executive and Chief Compliance Officer. This channel is also available for any of the company’s external stakeholders.

Any person(s) reporting such violations are not to be retaliated in any way for making such a report. In all instances the rights and privacy of both the reporting person(s) and the one(s) accused of violations are to be adequately protected and assured.