The project involves the use of charcoal mixed with soil to remove impurities from nutrient-rich water running from agricultural lands into the Baltic Sea.
"UPM's corporate responsibility defines minimal waste to landfill and efficient re-use as well as sustainable use of water resources as key responsibility areas. Finding new and innovative solutions to use industry's side products and at the same time finding new ways to safeguard the Baltic Sea is very much in line with our responsibility programme ", says Marko Janhunen, Director of Corporate Responsibility.
Recent international research on use of biochar as soil conditioner points out several potential benefits to be achieved. Development of biochar-recycling products for agricultural use offers, therefore, an important technological option.
This state-of-art research investigates the feasibility of using charcoal mixed with soil as a natural filter. The two-year research programme will be carried out together with the University of Lappeenranta and University of Helsinki and preliminary results are expected by the end of the year.
UPM has also joined the United Nations Global Compact's CEO Water Mandate to confirm its commitment to responsible use of water resources in all its operations.
UPM's commitment not only covers water reduction, but also minimising the impact of its operations on local water resources and safeguarding natural watercourses in its forests.
"Water is one of the key resources used in pulp and paper production. As the Biofore Company, UPM wants to be an industry leader in responsible water management. We have already decreased water use per tonne of paper by 40% in the last 10 years", comments Marko Janhunen.
UPM publishes data for its pulp and paper mills' environmental performance in the company's Annual Report. Company-wide and mill specific data can also be found at www.upm-kymmene.com.
Baltic Sea Action Summit
The Baltic Sea Action Summit will convene in Helsinki on February 10th, 2010. Its essential idea is to provide a platform for arriving at practical commitments to save the Baltic Sea. All Baltic Sea Action Summit invitees - leaders representing the business community, governments, NGOs and philanthropy - will make their own commitment to action. Marko Janhunen, UPM's Director of Corporate Responsibility, will participate into the Summit.
UN Global Compact's CEO Water Mandate
UN Global Compact's CEO Water Mandate is a public-private initiative designed to assist companies in the development, implementation and disclosure of water sustainability policies and practices. UPM has been a member of the UN Global Compact since 2003, and signed the CEO Water Mandate in January 2010.
