Nature & Sustainable Forestry

Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are accelerating and threatening the very systems that sustain life on Earth. These pressures are degrading ecosystems and intensifying biodiversity loss, now ranked as the second most critical global risk over the next decade according to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Report.

Forests play a vital role in addressing this crisis. As ecosystems, they absorb carbon, protect water resources, and support biodiversity—making them essential not only for planetary health but also for the resilience of our business. Healthy forests are the foundation of our operations, and their protection is key to long-term sustainability.

What is sustainable forestry in the paper context?

Sustainable forestry, guided by clear rules and certification systems, is essential to maintain long-term, sustainable paper production. It ensures a renewable wood supply, promotes biodiversity, and increases forests’ ability to absorb carbon. Practices like thinning and using fibre wood from residues and small trees enhance forest stability, reduce risks from pests and climate impacts, and provide income for landowners—making responsible forest management both economically and environmentally sustainable.
At UPM Communication Papers, we apply sustainable forestry practices, prioritize biodiversity, and ensure transparency through internationally recognized certification.

Renewing the source of paper – Our commitment

Our work to ensure sustainable forestry is part of UPM’s global Forest Action Programme, which guides responsible forestry across climate, biodiversity, water, soil, and social impact. Within this framework, our approach is built on four key pillars—from forest to finished paper.

Certified, transparent

We source wood responsibly

All wood used in our products comes from sustainably managed forests and from legal sources. Our third-party verified and certified wood origin systems ensure full traceability. We strive to use the highest possible percentage of certified fibre and promote the global use of certified wood. All UPM’s forests and eucalyptus plantations are certified or in the process of certification for new sites under the FSC™ (FSC N003385) and/or PEFC (PEFC/02-44-41) schemes.

Ensuring forest growth

We ensure that our forests and plantations grow more than they are harvested and continue to act as carbon sinks.

Our carefully selected tree seedlings are important not only to produce wood raw material but also for carbon sequestration, biodiversity restoration in forests and increased resilience to climate change. Our sourcing excludes tropical rainforests and destructive plantations, ensuring forests grow more than they are used and continue to support biodiversity and climate resilience.

Sustainable forest management

We practice selective harvesting for resilient forests, biodiversity, and climate benefits

Sustainable forest management supports long-term forest health, protects water systems and soil, and strengthens ecosystems against climate change. By selectively harvesting small-diameter wood from thinnings, we maintain forest structure and reduce risks from snow, wind, fire, and pests. Our practices actively enhance biodiversity, improve natural filtration and nutrient cycles, and boost carbon capture in trees, soil, and wood products. Managed forests act as carbon sinks, storing CO₂ and contributing to climate resilience.

Leading with circularity

Leading with circular thinking and sustainable production

Industrial water and air emissions can significantly impact biodiversity by altering habitats. Within our circular and sustainable production model, UPM Communication Papers applies best available techniques to minimize harmful emissions and improve water quality. We recover and reuse production waste, use both virgin and recycled fibres to reduce environmental impact, and prioritize renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water conservation—actively supporting local environmental initiatives, with progress transparently documented in externally verified EMAS reports for each paper mill.

Deforestation - free

Traceable, certified and compliant with EUDR

All wood used in UPM paper production is legally sourced and traceable, verified through our FSC™ and PEFC Chain of Custody systems. Our Origin of Wood Statements confirm compliance with the EU Timber Regulation, US Lacey Act, and equivalent regional requirements. As part of our dedication to responsible forestry, UPM Communication Papers is actively preparing for full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), together with suppliers and customers. This new regulation reinforces what we’ve long stood for: ensuring that all wood-based products are deforestation-free, legally sourced, transparently traced, and backed by due diligence.

Learn more on UPM’s EUDR compliance page

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Biodiversity

Our efforts to enhance biodiversity are integrated across all areas of our operations, from daily routines to strategic management decisions. Our biodiversity initiatives focus on forests and plantations, stream ecosystems, and production sites.

Forests and plantations

Healthy forests and plantations are crucial for our business and essential for mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and supporting local communities. Our Forest Action program outlines a strategic approach to sustainable forest management.