UPM wins sustainability award for its supply chain

Filed in archive Best practice on November 29, 2008

Some while ago I was working with a Finnish paper maker named UPM-Kymmene on environmental supply chain issues. At the time one of the things which was interesting for me was the penetration of the sustainability concepts within the operations, so when I heard that the company has won a prize for this in its Welsh operations, I knew the reasons.

According to Print Week, UPM Shotton has won the Best Practice in Supply Chain Projects award at the Welsh Business & Sustainability Awards 2008.

The paper mill, which produces 100% recycled newsprint, was recognized for having reduced its impact on the environment through continuously improving its operations over the past five years.

General manager David Ingham said: "We are delighted to have been recognized at such a high level.

"We're proud to be part of the Welsh business community and will continue to develop the UPM Shotton mill to create value from renewable and recyclable materials."

In addition to a £50m investment in a CHP biomass plant, UPM Shotton has switched from sourcing virgin raw material to 100% post-consumer waste.

As a result, UPM said its supply chain is now recycling approximately 30% of UK households' recovered paper.