UPM sets industry benchmark as sole forest and paper firm in Dow Jones Sustainability Indices

FINLAND – UPM has achieved a remarkable milestone by being the only forest and paper industry company listed in the Dow Jones Global and European Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for 2024-2025.

These indices evaluate companies based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, underscoring UPM’s leadership in sustainability.

“We are committed to creating value for our customers by leveraging sustainable, renewable resources, reducing our environmental footprint, and enhancing our positive societal impact. Sustainability is a core strategic value for UPM,” said Sami Lundgren, Vice President, Responsibility at UPM.

This dedication is reflected in UPM’s updated strategy, published in September. With a business portfolio rooted in sustainable feedstocks and fossil-free energy, the company is driving growth in renewable fibres, advanced materials, and decarbonization solutions, while maintaining robust cash flows from graphic papers. 

In 2024, UPM further solidified its sustainability leadership by issuing a €600 million (US$624.52m) Green Bond under its Green Finance Framework.

This marks the company’s fourth Green Bond issuance, bringing its total to €2.35 billion (US$2.45bn) and positioning UPM as one of the largest corporate Green Bond issuers in the Nordics.

“These Green Bonds link our financing to our sustainability goals and support our overall strategy,” Lundgren added.

UPM’s six business areas—UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers, and UPM Plywood—embody its mission of delivering renewable, responsible solutions for a future beyond fossil fuels.

The company’s commitment to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and science-based climate targets underscores its proactive role in mitigating climate change.

UPM employs 16,600 people globally and generates annual sales of approximately €10.5 billion (US$10.93bn).

Advancing sustainable packaging with Michelman

UPM’s collaboration with Michelman has yielded three recyclable, paper-based packaging solutions, enabling brand owners to transition from non-recyclable, multi-material packaging to eco-friendly alternatives that meet food safety standards.

“UPM’s papers provide an excellent base for our water-based barrier and heat-seal coatings. This partnership has advanced fiber-based substrate performance while preserving recyclability,” said Thierry Van Migem, Michelman’s EMEA Sales Director. 

UPM’s collaboration with Michelman has introduced innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging.

One key breakthrough is the development of high-barrier packaging using UPM’s Solide Lucent paper combined with Michelman’s advanced coatings.

This solution provides excellent oxygen and moisture vapor barriers while offering heat-seal capabilities, making it particularly suitable for preserving the freshness of demanding products such as chocolate and coffee.

For frozen food applications, UPM leverages its Asendo and Asendo Pro barrier papers, paired with Michelman’s next-generation heat-sealable coatings.

These solutions are designed to perform optimally under cold conditions, ensuring durability and reliability for packaging in freezing environments.

Another significant advancement focuses on grease and vapor resistance. By integrating Michelman’s VaporCoat 2240 coating with UPM Asendo and Asendo Pro papers, this solution enhances the papers’ resistance to water vapor and grease.

This makes them ideal for use as inner liners in corrugated boxes, catering to industries requiring robust and sustainable packaging options.

These innovations empower brands to meet sustainability goals and comply with growing regulatory demands for recyclable materials, reaffirming UPM’s leadership in eco-friendly packaging solutions.

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