Consumables
UPM ProFi composite achieves PEFC certification for 100% recycled raw material
Monday 18. April 2011 - UPM ProFi has achieved PEFC Chain of Custody certification for its composite products manufactured in Lahti, Finland and in Bruchsal, Germany. The certificate verifies the link to sustainably managed forests and that the raw material of UPM ProFi composites is 100% recycled.
UPM ProFi is an environmentally innovative material that uses recycled paper and plastic from label stock production as its main raw material. These raw materials would otherwise be disposed of in landfill or incineration. For example every 10 lorries of UPM ProFi Deck produced means 6 fewer lorries of waste to landfill or incineration.
“The environmental benefits around UPM ProFi are self-evidently linked to the high recycling rate. In addition to that our customers have expressed a need to verify UPM ProFis environmental performance by an independent third party. For customers and the industry PEFC is well known and one of their main interests. With this newest certificate we can assure that wood fibres on our composite material originate from sustainable sources”, states Director of UPM ProFi, Markku Koivisto.
“The composite material is a great example of a sustainable solution for customers. UPMs aim is to provide environmentally responsible products which are sustainable over their lifecycle. The company uses its expertise and technology to create value from renewable and recyclable raw materials and this PEFC certificate confirms the environmental performance of UPMs ProFi product”, says Robert Taylor, Environmental Director for UPMs Engineered Materials business.
Developed by UPM’s own Research and Development, UPM ProFi is a rare example of a good environmental solution resulting in better technical performance. A second life is given to surplus paper and plastic left over from other industrial processes to make exterior products that are recyclable, PVC free, non-toxic and have a low carbon footprint. UPM ProFi is suitable for several outdoor end-use applications and is attractive in terms of both performance properties and visual appearance.
In 2010, UPMs total lifecycle approach was recognised internationally when UPM ProFi composite material received two important awards. A renowned Green Good Design Award was conferred on UPM for its outdoor flooring product UPM ProFi Deck. The Best Innovator 2010 awards, held in Germany, brought yet more recognition, as UPM ProFi Deck was awarded with the Sustainable Innovation Management Prize.