UPM, the parent company of leading labelstock supplier UPM Raflatac, is one of the eight companies recognized by the CDP Forest Program with a global leadership position in the 2016 Forest A List for timber and timber-based products. The A List features companies that are on a path to sustainably source or produce timber commodities.

“UPM is committed to forest management and forest harvesting practices based on the internationally accepted principles of sustainable forest management,” says Sami Lundgren, Vice President, Environment and Responsibility.

“Our objective is to create long-term profitable business in an ethical and responsible manner, taking into account economic, human and social, as well as environmental matters. We consider forest certification to be an excellent tool for promoting sustainable forestry. Today, 84% of the wood we use is certified and our target is to grow the percentage up to 100% by the year 2030,”  Lundgren adds.

Katie McCoy, head of forests at CDP, comments, “The business case for breaking the link between deforestation and the production of forest-risk commodities has never been stronger. We congratulate those businesses that have achieved a position in CDP’s Forest A List for timber. These companies are responding to market demand for environmental accountability and at the same time are making progress towards achieving deforestation-free supply chains. This will not only protect forests, but will help influence market behaviour towards a more sustainable economy.”

UPM has always taken care of the vitality and regeneration of forests – the company has had for over two decades its own biodiversity program, which is fully integrated into its forest management practices. Specific species projects and case studies in the program develop forestry methods to meet the needs of single species and creates a new working culture in collaboration with stakeholders. UPM also promotes voluntary-based nature conservation, and protected areas are part of the biodiversity program solutions.

“We are pleased that also our efforts on enhancing biodiversity have just recently received recognition. FIBS, the leading non-profit corporate responsibility network in Finland, awarded us for biodiversity reporting in the company’s annual report 2015 and on the related webpages,” concludes Lundgren.