UPM Raflatac makes climate goals to reduce carbon footprint

DIXON – UPM Raflatac is accelerating its climate goals for greener operations.

The label manufacturing company, which has a facility at 101 E. Corporate Drive, is committing to several climate goals including using certified fibers and biobased materials, fostering reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and developing innovative products and services that help brand owners take positive climate action and go beyond their climate goals, according to a news release.

“UPM Raflatac aims to reduce or replace virgin fossil sources of carbon by applying the principles of reduce, recycle, renew, and reuse through responsible sourcing, sustainable operations and logistics, and innovative products and services,” according to the release.

Parent company UPM is among the first forest industry companies committed to the United Nations Business Ambition for 1.5 °C to take actions to mitigate climate change.

UPM also joined The Climate Pledge committing the company to achieve net-zero annual carbon emissions by 2040.

“Our ambition is also about designing better solutions for the packaging industry through the smart use of materials and enhanced recyclability and reuse,” UPM Sustainability Manager Ashley Drew said. “For us, climate has been a strategic issue for a number of years, so we have already made significant headway in our climate ambitions.”

The goal is to be the world’s first label materials company beyond fossil materials.

Six of ten factories are fully powered with renewable electricity, and the company has reduced the greenhouse gas emissions of its production sites by 47% since 2015.

“The time for incremental improvements has passed, and the industry must take bold steps to drive effective climate initiatives,” Drew said.

UPM Raflatac operates a factory in Dixon, two factories in western North Carolina, in addition to factories and offices across the globe.