Monday, May 4, 2026
UPM has once again been recognised among the world’s leading companies in the Dow Jones World and European Sustainability Indices for the 2025–2026 period, maintaining its position as the only company from its sector included in these globally respected benchmarks. This achievement reflects the company’s consistent performance across environmental, social, and governance dimensions, as well as its long-standing commitment to sustainable business practices.
The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices are regarded as one of the most comprehensive global frameworks for assessing corporate sustainability performance, with thousands of the world’s largest companies evaluated annually through S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment. Only the top-performing organisations within each industry are selected, making inclusion a strong indicator of leadership in sustainability and corporate responsibility.
UPM’s continued presence in these indices demonstrates a sustained and measurable approach to ESG performance, rather than a short-term improvement. Its inclusion has been based on detailed analysis of its environmental impact, governance standards, and social responsibility initiatives, all of which have been aligned with international sustainability expectations.
The company has established ambitious sustainability targets for 2030, including a commitment to reduce fossil carbon dioxide emissions by 65% compared to 2015 levels, a goal that supports global climate ambitions to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C. In addition, a diversity target has been set to achieve 40% female representation in professional and managerial roles, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and equitable workplace practices.
UPM’s climate strategy has been structured around three core pillars, namely sustainable forest management, emissions reduction, and the development of sustainable products, each of which is supported by clearly defined and measurable actions. Sustainable forest management practices are being implemented to ensure biodiversity protection, long-term resource availability, and responsible sourcing of raw materials, which remain central to the company’s operations.
Efforts to reduce emissions have been intensified through improvements in energy efficiency, increased reliance on renewable energy sources, and continuous optimisation of production processes, resulting in a steady decline in operational carbon emissions. At the same time, the company has been investing in the development of sustainable products, including renewable fibres and advanced materials that are designed to replace fossil-based alternatives while maintaining high performance standards.
The company’s sustainability approach has been firmly grounded in science-based methodologies, with its targets aligned to recognised international climate frameworks and its progress monitored through transparent reporting mechanisms. This structured approach has enabled UPM to demonstrate accountability and consistency in its sustainability journey.
Recognition within the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices is independently verified, which enhances its credibility among stakeholders and signals strong governance practices, long-term resilience, and competitive strength in an increasingly sustainability-focused market environment. In addition to this recognition, UPM’s ESG performance has also been acknowledged by other global assessment platforms such as EcoVadis and CDP, further reinforcing its standing as a sustainability leader.
These recognitions play a critical role in strengthening trust among investors, customers, and business partners, as they provide assurance that the company’s sustainability commitments are both credible and measurable. This is particularly important in a global market where ESG considerations are becoming increasingly influential in investment decisions and corporate partnerships.
UPM operates on a global scale, employing approximately 15,100 people and generating annual sales of around €9.7 billion, with its business model centred on providing renewable and sustainable solutions that transform industries and value chains. Its product portfolio includes renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonisation solutions, and communication papers, all of which are designed to support more sustainable consumption patterns.
The company’s materials are widely used across multiple industries, enabling businesses and consumers to make more environmentally responsible choices in their daily operations and activities. By focusing on innovation and sustainability, UPM has positioned itself as a key player in the transition towards a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy.
According to company leadership, this recognition reflects years of disciplined and consistent work across all areas of the organisation, with sustainability fully integrated into its strategy and operations. It has been emphasised that UPM’s solutions are designed to transform supply chains and enable sustainable choices on a global scale, highlighting the broader impact of its business model.
Industry observers note that ESG performance is becoming an increasingly important differentiator in global markets, with companies demonstrating strong sustainability credentials being better positioned to attract investment, maintain competitiveness, and meet evolving regulatory requirements. UPM’s continued inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices therefore not only reflects its current achievements but also its readiness to adapt to future sustainability challenges.
Overall, UPM’s recognition in the 2025–2026 indices underscores the growing importance of sustainability in shaping corporate success, while demonstrating that long-term commitment, innovation, and measurable targets can effectively align business performance with global environmental and social priorities.
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Tags: climate targets UPM, corporate sustainability assessment, Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, sustainable materials company, UPM, UPM sustainability, wood and panel, woodworking and processing, woodworking UK
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