Now UPM publishes fuller EMAS statements

Following news that UPM has joined the Together for Sustainability (TfS) initiative it has now published more extensive EMAS (EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) statements of its pulp and paper mills.

Over the years, the company has reported on environmental impacts at its pulp and paper mills in Europe, China and Uruguay. Now the reports also provide an analysis of the company's societal impact at a local level.   According to Gabriele Wende, director, reporting and product stewardship, UPM, people are interested in companies' impact on society in addition to the environmental matters. "Mills are a part of local people's everyday lives, so what happens within the company is not insignificant by any means. That's why we want to provide verified and concrete information, e.g. on our contribution to employment, tax income and purchasing power, as well as co-operation with the communities. The information also has to be easily accessible."    Extended EMAS reporting has been improved using a mathematical calculation model developed by the Research Institute of the Finnish Economy. The model was used to estimate indirect jobs and effects on consumption created by the company's production units in Finland. Research director Jyrki Ali-Yrkko from Etlatieto Oy, said calculations can be made both regionally and nationally.