The Koehler Group is to convert its power plant at the Koehler Paper site in Greiz from pulverized lignite to fine wood fraction fuel. The experts at Koehler Renewable Energy, a part of the Koehler Group, have succeeded in developing an innovative technique that will allow a type of biomass to be used as fuel in the existing coal‐fired power plant in a completely new way. It is an innovation on the market. The plant’s conversion from lignite to fine wood fraction as the fuel, is part of the Group’s climate strategy. It is an important contribution to keeping Koehler’s promise of producing more energy from renewable sources by 2030 than is required for its paper production operations. In total, the conversion will save 24,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year at the Greiz site. In addition, converting the fuel will also significantly reduce sulfurous emissions and pollutants compared with pulverized lignite.

UPM Raflatac has set a new labeling industry standard by embedding product footprint data directly into customer quotes. These product footprints, known as product passport prototypes (PPPs), provide label converters with transparent environmental data, helping them to make informed material choices and to reduce Scope 3 emissions* at source. The PPPs are automatically linked to UPM Raflatac quote documents, giving its customers a full assessment of their label material’s environmental impact. Each PPP offers an array of environmental metrics over the entire lifecycle of the label, enabling converters to assess and minimize their footprint, even at the early purchasing stage. With raw materials accounting for 70–90% of converters’ total environmental impact, access to real-time footprint data is critical for helping them make more sustainable decisions. PPPs also give converters a competitive edge by helping them respond quickly to customer inquiries about sustainability. “The new feature is a game-changer for how we evaluate sustainable performance of materials and make better, more informed choices on the right environmental selection for our customers and our vision of No Waste,” says Jason Fuller, Procurement Category Manager of COVERIS, a leading European packaging company.

UPM announced that as part of the merger control approval process for the planned graphic paper Joint Venture between UPM and Sappi, the European Commission has issued a Statement of Objections. In a press release, UPM said, "The adoption of a Statement of Objections (SO) is a customary step during an in-depth merger investigation by the European Commission. In the SO, the Commission has provided more details on its preliminary concerns. Together with Sappi, UPM is reviewing the SO carefully and will respond in due course. UPM is confident that it will be able to respond fully to the Commission's preliminary concerns.