Newsprint maker UPM says it has been recognised as one of the world’s most sustainable companies by the UN Global Compact.

It had already established a position as the only forest industry company with Lead Participant status.

UPM has held the Lead status since 2016, and is a regular paper and forestry industry winner in the Dow Jones European and World Sustainability Indices.

UN Global Compact chief executive and executive director Sanda Ojiambo says Lead companies represent the highest level of engagement with the Compact. “More than ever before, the world needs businesses of all sizes that continuously work to improve their sustainability performance and take action to build a better world.”

UPM’s responsibility vice president Sami Lundgren says responsibility is integrated into the company’s Biofore strategy. “Our clear purpose, to create a future beyond fossils, is guiding our daily operations.

“UPM has made two significant global climate commitments, UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and The Climate Pledge by Amazon and The Global Optimism, both initiatives showing the way towards net-zero emissions.”

UPM’s goal is to mitigate climate change and drive value creation through innovating novel products, committing to a 65 per cent CO2 emission reduction and by practising climate-positive forestry.