This article is an extract from Sustainability in Publishing, a whitepaper created in partnership with FIPP - Connecting Global Media. You can download the full report here.
As a supplier to the publishing industry, UPM Communication Papers has recognised that the sustainability performance of its own suppliers impacts not only its clients but society at large. As UPM developed the goals underpinning its Sustainability Agenda, it became clear that with 25,000 suppliers and partners across the globe, the sustainability performance of these suppliers hugely influences and impacts the sustainability performance of UPM as well.
For this reason UPM recently renewed its Third Party and Supplier Code – a set of requirements for suppliers and partners to ensure they align with set sustainability goals and comply with a code of good business practice. It is now possible for UPM to monitor and audit compliance of its suppliers and partners based on a set of risk assessments. Where risk and potential non-compliance is identified, UPM offers support and collaboration to tackle challenges. Change through partnership delivers real benefits for both UPM, its suppliers and its customers.
Ultimately, according to UPM, this not only strengthens the drive towards the company's overall sustainability goals but ensures that UPM can continue to offer customers a risk-free supply chain. The sustainability team at UPM stays committed to this process and see it as a privilege to be part of a business that wants to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
UPM's three spheres of sustainable development
1. Environment: Continually seek opportunities to further improve performance in responding to global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity.
2. Social: Taking care of employees, looking after their safety, growth and diversity. Taking social responsibility for the fundamental human rights of communities influenced by the company supply chain through the establishment of internal and external monitoring for sourcing practices.
3. Financial: Looking beyond own profit margins to create value for customers and have positive societal impact. This represents a commitment to paper and the paper industry despite declining markets in some traditional uses. Reimagining paper as sustainable solution to future challenges.
Author: Jon Watkins. Created in partnership with FIPP - Connecting Global Media.
