UPM gets UN recognition for sustainability

Finnish renewable diesel producer UPM has been recognised by the United Nations for its commitment to what’s been dubbed the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

The company is one of only 34 to be labelled a Global Compact LEAD company for its commitment to the UN’s Global Compact corporate sustainability initiative.

 "LEAD companies represent the highest level of engagement with the UN Global Compact," says Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact.

"Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and creating the world we want will not happen without bold actions from the responsible business community."

Other recognised LEAD companies include L’Oreal, BASF and Unilever. UPM has been signed up to the Global Compact Initiative since 2003.

"Being among the 34 world's leading companies in sustainability is an outstanding recognition for the work UPM has done in the area of responsible business conduct," says Pirkko Harrela, Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Relations, UPM.

"We have had the LEAD status since January 2016 when we were invited for the first time to this distinguished network as the only forest industry company and also as the first Finnish company ever".

To be eligible for LEAD recognition, companies are expected to be a participant in at least two Global Compact Action Platforms. They also need to demonstrate engagement with the initiative and commitment to defining and fostering leadership practices in line with the Global Compact Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, the companies are to report on their progress on implementing the Ten Principles on annual basis, according to a UPM statement.

UPM has participated in two of the Global Compact Action Platforms: Reporting on the SDGs and Decent work in global supply chains.