UPM Raflatac reports that it has met its responsible sourcing target six years ahead of time, with all the papers it sources now certified under a credible third-party forest certification scheme.
Companies are under increasing pressure to source their raw materials responsibly and improve the traceability of their supply chains. UPM Raflatac aims to help its customers meet their own responsible sourcing targets by ensuring all the paper it provides has received FSC (FSC C012530), PEFC (PEFC/02-31-196), or PEFC-endorsed forest certification.
“Reaching our 2030 target this far in advance is a significant milestone that we could not have achieved without the support and close collaboration of our suppliers, and the drive and commitment of our employees,” says Maria Seppälä, VP Sourcing at UPM Raflatac. “Third-party forest certification is one important element in our responsible sourcing approach, combined with supplier assessment and development activities, as well as continuous risk monitoring and management.”
As per targets set in 2021, the company aims to become the world’s first label materials company to progress beyond fossils. This involves increased use of certified papers, ensuring the traceability of other bio-based materials, collaborating with factories and suppliers to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and helping brand owners meet their own climate goals.
According to its Climate Review 2022, UPM Raflatac progressed in the key areas of forest and land, emissions and efficiency, and products and services – all three of which are described as the ‘backbone’ of its 2030 climate targets. Its Climate Review 2023 is set to be published this spring.
The news comes after UPM Raflatac’s Label Life LCA calculation engine was awarded a certificate of validity from DEKRA last August. This was hoped to increase assurance in its process of generating life cycle assessments at scale.
Several other companies also met sustainability targets in 2023. Weetabix Food Company’s entire packaging portfolio became 100% recyclable two years ahead of its 2025 target; and Mondi beat its 2025 target by achieving complete home and industrial compostability across its kraft paper packaging portfolio.
Additionally, Amazon revealed in November that 100% of its European delivery packaging was recyclable, including products sold by third-party selling partners using its Fulfilment by Amazon service.
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