Since August 2004 all UPM's pulp and paper mills have had a third party verified ISO 14001 environmental management system. The certification of environmental management systems was started at the Kymi mill in Finland in 1995 and completed at the Miramichi mill in Canada in July 2004. Simultaneously UPM Miramichi was also certified to OHSAS 18001 for occupational health and safety.
The production of pulp and paper causes most of UPM's environmental load. Total capacity of annual production for UPM is approximately 12 million tons of paper and about 2.5 million tons of chemical pulp. The aim is to minimise the environmental impacts of the whole production chain and product life cycle.
UPM's environmental load has decreased remarkably due to persistent environmental management during the last decade. The amount of production has increased without simultaneously increasing environmental emissions simultaneously. Environmental management systems are used as tools to prevent and reduce environmental impacts at mills. The principle of continuous improvement with target setting and the achievement of targets are an essential part of management systems.
Most of UPM's European mills have been registered to the European EMAS system which requires publishing of environmental statements. UPM's Finnish pulp and paper mills have published a common EMAS-certified environmental statement this year.
Some production units in UPM Wood Products and Converting as well as some units in wood procurement, energy and logistics, also apply certified environmental management systems. More information about management systems can be found from UPM's internet site www.upm-kymmene.com -> Environment -> Management systems.
For further information please contact:
Ms Marja Tuderman, Vice President, Environmental Issues, UPM tel. +358 204 15 0395
Mr Philippe Riebel, Environmental Director, UPM North America, tel. +1 506 627 5240
UPM
Corporate Communications
August 25, 2004
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ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management. Organizations that operate according to this standard must identify their most significant environmental aspects and sets targets for continuous improvement. The progress of targets is audited periodically.
The EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is a management tool that requires publishing an environmental statement. Compliance with environmental regulations is a prerequisite for EMAS registration. The continuous improvement of environmental performance and active involvement of employees are also emphasized.
Both systems need to be verified by third party auditor.
