(UPM, Helsinki, 12 January 2020 at 11:00 EET) UPM has signed a long-term Wind Power Purchase agreement with German wind park development company wpd. The use of renewable wind power for UPM’s paper mills will help reduce CO2 emissions by 200,000 tonnes annually as of 2022, representing 5% of UPM’s total CO2 emissions. For UPM, this is an important step towards achieving the company’s ambitious 65% CO2 emission reduction target by 2030.
UPM Communication Papers, the world-leading manufacturer of graphic papers, has committed to purchasing the majority share of the annual electricity production of a wind project build by wpd, totaling approximately 4 TWh over the duration of the contract. The wind project will be built in Finland and is planned to run for 25-30 years. The contract will support the long-term competitiveness of UPM Communication Papers by providing renewable electricity at competitive prices.
“Responsible industry players around the world have to take ownership of responding to climate change and evolve the way they operate. At UPM Communication Papers we are convinced that the long term future of paper as a product will depend on a carefully managed environmental footprint. Consequently, we consider our stringent focus on sustainability a prerequisite for our future competitiveness,” says Winfried Schaur, Executive Vice President UPM Communication Papers.
“Over the last six months, we have decided on investments in sustainable power and heat generation projects as well as strategic partnerships that will lead to a total reduction of CO2 emissions by 600,000 tonnes annually. This is equivalent to 12% of UPM’s total emissions in 2018. And we will continue to pursue tangible actions supporting an improved environmental performance,” Winfried Schaur continues.
In 2019, UPM announced to build a combined heat and power (CHP) plant at its Nordland Paper Mill in Dörpen, Germany, reducing annual CO2 emissions by 300,000 tonnes as of 2023. UPM also partnered with E.ON, who announced to build a biomass fired boiler providing steam for UPM’s Hürth paper mill. It will reduce UPM’s CO2 emissions by 100,000 tonnes per year as of 2021.
These highly efficient and sustainable power generation units along with the wind power purchase agreement announced today show UPM’s commitment to mitigating climate change and supporting the transformation of the European energy system.
UPM is committed to the UN’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C. We strive to mitigate climate change and drive long-term value creation through climate-positive forestry, innovating novel products, and reducing our CO2 emissions by 65%.
For further information please contact:
Winfried Schaur, Executive Vice President, UPM Communication Papers, tel. +49 821 3109 225, paperinfo@upm.com
UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EET
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com
UPM
We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 18,700 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 10.2 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com
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About UPM Communication Papers
UPM Communication Papers is the world's leading producer of graphic papers, offering an extensive product range for advertising and publishing as well as home and office uses. The high performing papers and service concepts of UPM add value to our customers' businesses, while actively fulfilling demanding environmental and social responsibility criteria. With headquarters in Germany, UPM Communication Papers employs approximately 7,700 people. More about UPM Communication Papers and its products at www.upmpaper.com
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