UPM Raflatac and WWF Poland renew association

UPM Raflatac and WWF Poland have renewed their contract to develop a circular economy and promote privately protected areas, especially wetlands in Poland. The three-year contract will also involve UPM's internal and external stakeholders to increase engagement and support for these two important initiatives.

'As part of the packaging value chain, we constantly seek ways to promote a circular economy through our product and service offering and collaboration. We are also committed to climate-positive forestry, enhancing biodiversity, and sharing our expertise and assets with the communities in which we operate,' said Vera Bartsch, director of sustainability development at UPM Raflatac.

The circular economy project aims to reduce the amount of packaging waste entering the environment by managing it according to circular economy principles. The joint initiative will focus on raising awareness of how nature-based products and services support the circular economy and how to reduce plastic pollution in Poland. With UPM Raflatac's support, WWF Poland also aims to further develop the network of privately protected areas in Poland by purchasing new areas and implementing further conservation measures in these areas, including mowing, animal grazing, scrub clearance and interventions in the water regime.

'The circular economy is critical in reducing waste and protecting natural resources. Privately protected areas like wetlands are crucial for preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystems. With UPM Raflatac's help, we can address nature-related challenges and promote sustainable development in Poland. We have been successfully working together to protect nature for 12 years,' commented Barbara Skuła-Dąbek, director of the strategic partnerships department at WWF Poland.

UPM Raflatac operates two factories in Biskupice Podgórne and Nowa Wieś Wrocławska, Poland, employing 600 employees. The collaboration between UPM Raflatac and WWF Poland started in 2012 with a project called 'Rivers for life,' which focused on protecting rivers' biodiversity in Poland. The partnership continued with the development of the program 'River Guardians.' In the past contract periods, circular economy and privately protected areas became more substantial focus areas in the collaboration.