(UPM, Helsinki, 19 January 2016 at 15:00 EET) - UPM has accepted a special invitation to join the United Nations Global Compact LEAD as of 1 January 2016. UPM is the first forest industry company and also the first Finnish company ever to receive such an invitation.
Global Compact LEAD is a unique leadership platform within the United Nations Global Compact that strongly promotes the integration of sustainability into business strategies. At the moment the 50 most sustainably advanced companies across geographical regions and industry sectors have been invited to LEAD. The total number of member companies at UN Global Compact is approximately 8000.
"UPM's invitation is a recognition of the company's industry-leading sustainability practices and long-standing commitment to the UN Global Compact," says Lise Kingo, Executive Director of Global Compact.
"Participating in LEAD offers UPM an opportunity to receive global recognition alongside fellow its sustainability leaders, clearly demonstrating the contribution that great companies can make to advance the global Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). The criteria for LEAD are very strict and only the most advanced companies can be invited," Kingo continues.
"The invitation is a great recognition for UPM's long term commitment. For us, joining LEAD will be a great opportunity to stay abreast of developments within the industry and to generate and implement advanced corporate sustainability practices together with other sustainability leaders and committed stakeholders," says Pirkko Harrela, Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Relations, UPM.
"Our expectation is that LEAD is a well-managed operation with clear targets and good planning. With this in mind, we look forward to good co-operation both with the LEAD management and the peer companies," Harrela says.
What does it mean to be in LEAD? Read more in UPM's stakeholder magazine on www.upmbiofore.com.
For further information please contact:
Päivi Salpakivi-Salomaa, VP, Environment and Responsibility, UPM, tel. +3582041 50396.
UPM, Media Relations
9.00-16.00 EET
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com
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UPM
Through the renewing of the bio and forest industries, UPM is building a sustainable future across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Paper Asia, UPM Paper Europe and North America and UPM Plywood. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. We serve our customers worldwide. The group employs around 20,000 people and its annual sales are approximately EUR 10 billion. UPM shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. UPM - The Biofore Company - www.upm.com
Global Compact LEAD
Launched in January 2011 to drive innovation and leadership among participants of the UN Global Compact, Global Compact LEAD recognizes the critical need for supporting UN Global Compact participants to achieve higher levels of corporate sustainability performance -- as outlined in the Global Compact's Blueprint for Corporate Sustainability Leadership. LEAD Participants share a commitment to implement the Blueprint and a willingness to lead the Global Compact with strong engagement at the local and global levels. LEAD currently has 50 participants representing all regions of the world.