(UPM, Helsinki, 15 January 2018 at 14:00 EET) - UPM Biofuels has received a sustainability certificate for the cultivation of the Brassica carinata crop - a new feedstock for biofuel production - in Uruguay. The RSB (The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) certification in biofuel feedstock production complements UPM Biofuels' existing sustainability certifications like ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) and RSB certifications for its UPM BioVerno biofuel production.
"RSB certification acknowledges our strong commitment to sustainability in all operations, now also in biofuel feedstock production with local farmers. This is also the first RSB certificate in Uruguay and creates new sustainable practices for agriculture," says Liisa Ranta, Manager, Sustainability, UPM Biofuels Development.
RSB is one of the European Commission's approved voluntary schemes, which can be used to show compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive's sustainability criteria. In addition to EU RED criteria, the sustainability of biofuels is evaluated against 12 principles which have been approved by a wide variety of stakeholders, including NGOs and UN agencies. In addition to greenhouse gas savings compared to fossil fuels, RSB principles cover biodiversity, human rights and environmental and social responsibility throughout the value chain.
"The RSB commends UPM for its continued commitment to producing sustainable biofuel. They have demonstrated leadership in the sector being the first to receive RSB certification for the production of biofuel from woodbased feedstocks and are now leading the way in Uruguay with their Brassica carinata certification. This results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the highest standards of sustainability and transparency, " says Rolf Hogan, the RSB's Executive Director.
Brassica carinata winter cropping in Paysandu, Uruguay.
Brassica carinata is an oilseed crop specially designed for sustainable production of biofuels. UPM Biofuels has been developing and testing a new type of biofuel feedstock concept by growing Brassica carinata as a secondary crop in South America. The crop works well in the climatic and agricultural conditions of Uruguay and has been tested by local farmers. Brassica carinata cultivation adds value to their use of existing agricultural land as it will be used productively also in winter.
For further information please contact:
Liisa Ranta, Manager, Sustainability, UPM Biofuels Development, tel. +358 40 582 9338
UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9.00-16.00 EET
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com
RSB certification
The RSB is valued and peer-reviewed organization that offers advisory, membership and certification services for sustainable biomaterials on a global scale. The RSB, its member network, partnerships and certified projects represent best practice in sustainability and promote the development of a healthy bioeconomy. www.rsb.org
For further information please contact Rolf Hogan - Executive Director of the RSB, rolf.hogan@rsb.org
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UPM Biofuels
UPM plans to become a major player in high quality, advanced biofuels for transport. Biofuels are an essential part of the Biofore strategy. The innovative wood-based biofuels developed by the company and their production technologies are part of a sustainable future. UPM's biofuels are frontrunners in quality, usability and sustainability. They will significantly decrease greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions compared to fossil fuels. www.upmbiofuels.com
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UPM
Through the renewing of the bio and forest industries, UPM is building a sustainable future across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Paper ENA and UPM Plywood. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. We serve customers worldwide. The group employs around 19,300 people and its annual sales are approximately EUR 10 billion. UPM shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. UPM - The Biofore Company - www.upm.com
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