UPM Communication Papers has introduced a new climate action roadmap outlining concrete measures to cut carbon emissions across its operations and value chain by 2030.
The plan marks a major step forward in the company’s decarbonization journey and supports the growing demand for lower-carbon paper products from customers and consumers.
A key feature of the roadmap is a clearly defined climate target. By 2030, fossil CO₂ emissions from UPM Communication Papers’ own operations and externally sourced energy at its European sites will be reduced to 100 kilograms or less per tonne of paper, on average. This represents more than a 70% reduction compared with 2023 levels. The company says the target aligns with the urgency of climate action and strengthens customers’ ability to reduce emissions within their own value chains.
Accelerating the Shift to Renewable Energy
To reach its 2030 goal, UPM Communication Papers is intensifying its transition away from fossil fuels. The company is expanding the use of renewable electricity through long-term wind power purchase agreements and power-to-heat solutions at its mills. Each site has developed a tailored roadmap outlining actions contributing to the overall reduction target.
UPM is also electrifying production processes and increasing the use of biogenic residues, such as bark and other wood residues, to produce steam and energy. At the same time, it is phasing out peat and coal, which have historically contributed to higher emissions.
Cutting Emissions Beyond the Mill Gate
The roadmap extends beyond mill operations to the company’s broader supply chain. UPM is collaborating with suppliers and logistics partners to reduce transport-related emissions by improving efficiency, expanding intermodal networks, introducing electric trucks, and increasing the use of renewable fuels. These measures support UPM’s “-30 by 30” goal to lower total supply chain emissions by 30% by 2030.
UPM is also working closely with raw material suppliers to reduce sourcing-related emissions, further shrinking the carbon footprint of its graphic papers.
“By launching our climate action roadmap and setting a 2030 target, we’re turning climate urgency into concrete action and helping customers meet their own climate goals,” said Niina Niemelä, Senior Manager, Sustainability. “This isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about ensuring that paper remains a sustainable and future-proof choice for generations to come.”
Operating 10 paper mills worldwide with an annual production capacity of 4.3 million tonnes, UPM Communication Papers positions itself as a leader in low-carbon paper production. The roadmap reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability and its role in advancing decarbonization across the industry.
Source: UPM Communication Papers
