UPM Raflatac has outlined the firm’s sustainability progress with the publication of its 2024 Climate Review.
The review showcases how the business and its partners are driving climate action in three focus areas: forests and land; emission reductions; and products and services.
In 2024, UPM Raflatac revealed it achieved a 55% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emission intensity compared to a 2015 baseline year. Three of the company’s factories, located in China, Malaysia and Finland, implemented renewable or CO₂-free electricity contracts which cover the vast majority of their power usage. This enabled progress towards a 65% reduction target by 2030.
UPM Raflatac also continued its efforts to reduce Scope 3 emission intensity related to raw materials and transportation. To reach a 30% reduction by 2030 compared to a 2018 baseline, the company added that it aims to focus further on value chain collaboration and product development.
Last year, 100% of UPM Raflatac’s purchased paper materials were certified under a third-party forest certification scheme. This 2030 target was reached six years in advance.
Beyond certified papers, the company strives to achieve its 2030 goal of 100% traceability of other bio-based materials, with progress in 2024 reaching 81%.
To help customers make more sustainable material choices, UPM Raflatac launched several new product and service innovations, including the Carbon Action plastic films portfolio, designed to support the packaging value chain in reducing carbon footprint and enhancing recyclability.
In a move described as a ‘first’ for the labelling industry, UPM Raflatac also integrated product footprints directly into customer quotes. The footprints, generated by the LCA service, UPM Label Life, provides actionable data-driven insights to inform purchasing decisions for customers.
In addition, the UPM RafCycle recycling service received a certificate of validity from DEKRA for its CO2 impact assessments. This offers customers increased assurance for their contributions to label waste recycling.
“Our decisive efforts have enabled strong and measurable progress on our 2030 climate commitments,” said Robert Taylor, director, global sustainability at UPM Raflatac. “Moving forward, we will increasingly concentrate on delivery towards our customers, investing in our LCA and Scope 3 services and in reducing the carbon footprint of our products.
“By collaborating with our partners and keeping our ambition to meet our climate goals, we can reduce impact at scale.”
Click here to explore the full 2024 Climate Review.
