Energy efficiency is not just a concept but an everyday practice at the Nowa Wieś factory. The team’s engagement and motivation are easy to notice, with an internal improvement proposal program that empowers every employee to suggest enhancements.
“These suggestions have led to significant reductions in energy consumption, from optimizing lighting adjustments to refining the drying process, showcasing the collective effort in reducing the factory’s carbon footprint,” says Markku Havonen, General Manager, Nowa Wieś Factory.
Implementing company-wide sustainability program locally
Since 2021, Nowa Wieś has been powered by renewable electricity generated from sources like wind, solar, and hydropower.
The use of renewable electricity is a key component of UPM Raflatac’s Biofore Site™ program, which aims to improve the sustainability performance of the company’s manufacturing sites. Local actions and progress is communicated by using a Biofore Site scorecard that measures key performance indicators related to operations, including waste, energy, diversity, well-being, and safety, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The Biofore site concept is not just visible but vibrantly alive within the factory’s operations. Factory’s water usage reduction project resulted in a remarkable 40% decrease in wastewater, exemplifying the site’s dedication to resource conservation. Moreover, the focus on health and wellbeing, along with responsible consumption and production, underscores the holistic approach to sustainability that UPM Raflatac champions,” Havonen says.
Investing in linerless labels
The Nowa Wieś factory produces a wide range of filmic, sheet, and specialty products. Since 2017, linerless labels have been a part of the factory’s offering. In 2021, UPM Raflatac invested in a new linerless coating line and increased slitting and packing capacity increasing the company’s Direct Thermal (DT) Linerless annual production capacity by 100 million m2. The new production line has been operational since 2022.
Direct Thermal (DT) linerless labeling is a cost-efficient and more sustainable alternative to traditional label stock. Sustainability and efficiency benefits are significant as linerless brings up to a 40 percent reduction in material usage. By offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional label stock, the factory is actively contributing to the reduction of waste and supporting end-users in achieving their sustainability targets.