Global paper manufacturer UPM has published the results of a pilot study for paper’s water footprint in cooperation with the Water Footprint Network.
The Water Footprint Assessment maps the amount of freshwater consumed throughout the production chain of paper. The results show that water for growing trees represents the primary contribution to the total water footprint of paper.
Sami Lundgren, Director, Environmental Services, UPM said that in terms of the water needed in producing one sheet of A4, most of the water is used in the forest as part of the natural water cycle.
Ruth Mathews, Executive Director, Water Footprint Network, commented:
“By working with the Water Footprint Network, UPM has taken a leading role in reviewing sustainable water use in the paper industry. The Water Footprint Network applauds this initiative."
"UPM’s pilot study shows that when forests are managed sustainably, paper products will have little contribution to the growing concerns of water scarcity.”
Water footprint divides the water into three different types – green, blue and grey. Green water represents the natural water cycle – the water evaporated by trees. Blue water refers to water withdrawn from rivers, lakes and aquifers. Grey water presents the amount of water needed to assimilate the remaining pollutants after cleaning process wastewater.
Sami Lundgren continued:
"According to our pilot study, 60% of paper’s water footprint is green water,1% is blue water and
39% grey water. Around 99% of the water footprint comes from the supply chain and the
remaining 1% from the actual paper mill production processes.”
The efficient use of water is a key area of environmental responsibility in UPM, which employs around 24,500 people and has production plants in 16 countries. UPM’s waste water volume per tonne of paper produced is nearly half of what it was 15 years ago. In 2010 the Group set a long term environmental target for 2020 to further reduce the quantity and improve the quality of waste water in pulp and paper production.
In addition to paper’s water footprint development, UPM has started a water footprint study for the production of plywood in Finland. The pilot study was calculated for UPM Nordland Papier mill in Germany. For additional
information on UPM’s sustainable water use, complete study results and an introduction video to
water footprint visit www.upm.com/responsibility > Water.
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