Features Environment & Sustainability Paper
UPM copy papers carry enhanced Singapore Green Label

Mar. 14, 2018 – UPM says it is one of the first companies to offer copy paper with the Singapore Green Label logo under the enhanced Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS), which is managed by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC).

UPM’s newly certified products include:

• UPM Office Multifunction Copy Paper (70/75/80 gsm)
• UPM Yes Silver Multifunction Copy Paper (70/75/80 gsm)

The enhanced SGLS criteria was announced in January 2017, and strives to reduce the risk of another damaging haze incident in Singapore by requiring paper companies to comply with stringent environmental standards. In total, 16 pulp and paper products have been certified under the enhanced SGLS scheme.

To achieve certification, applicants undergo a detailed audit and evaluation of their entire product supply chain – from the sourcing and manufacturing to the distribution and sale of their pulp and paper products. Certified products are subject to an annual audit as well as periodic ground surveillance to ensure compliance.

“We are extremely happy to receive the Singapore Green Label certification,” said Ian Hamilton, area sales director S.E. Asia, UPM Specialty Papers. “Sustainability is increasingly high on the agenda when our customers and consumers make purchasing decisions. The Green Label helps us communicate UPM’s commitment to systematically maintaining and increasing forest biodiversity as well as to promoting sustainable forestry and wood sourcing.”

One of six business areas UPM operates, UPM Specialty Papers produces labelling and packaging materials to global markets and fine papers to Asian markets, with paper converters, distributors, retailers and printers as its main customers.

“SEC has professionally audited UPM to the highest standards; in addition to forest management we have looked at village welfare, fire and peatland management. This in turn enables each consumer to choose assured green labelled products as part of climate action efforts to reduce burning of forests, haze and terrestrial carbon,” said Jen Teo, executive director of SEC. “The Singapore Green Label is a symbol of sustainable manufacturing and good environmental practice. Consumers should reward companies for being responsible.”

Last December, SEC announced that consumer goods company Kimberly-Clark became the first to have 12 of its pulp and paper products become certified under the enhanced version of SEC’s Green Labelling Scheme.