(UPM, Helsinki, November 6, 2007) - UPM has been awarded an EU Flower certificate for its magazine, bag and sack papers. The European Eco-label has been given for the products of UPM's Augsburg, Steyrermuhl, Jamsankoski and Pietarsaari paper mills. Within a year, more than ten other UPM mills have been awarded this certificate.
"The EU Flower is a proof of a product's good overall environmental performance and thus low environmental impact. With the EU Flower, we want to demonstrate that our papers meet comprehensive criteria and are environmentally sound," underlines Soren Slotte, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Packaging Papers.
UPM is one of the first paper manufacturers to be rewarded with the EU Flower for its products. To receive the European Eco-label, paper producers must meet strict regulations on emissions to water and air, as well as on waste management, and reduction of energy consumption.
As part of the EU Flower assessment criteria, manufacturers must also meet a wide range of environmental and sustainable requirements. UPM has had to demonstrate the origin of all fibres, and that more than 10 % of fibres are sourced from certified sustainable managed forests. In addition, producers have to be committed to the increase use of environmentally sound products during manufacture.
The first UPM papers to successfully apply for the EU Flower were office papers manufactured at UPM's mills in Europe. Soon after that, fine paper grades sold under UPM's own trademark and made at Papeteries de Docelles, Kymi and Nordland Papier, as well as UPM Eco magazine paper produced at Schongau mill, were awarded the EU Flower. In July magazine papers produced at Finnish paper mills Jamsankoski, Kaipola, Kajaani, Kaukas and Rauma joined the forerunners.
Supported by the European Commission and all EU member states the Eco-label offers guidance to consumers and purchasers, who wish to purchase products with superior environmental performance.