M-real's energy efficiency system is now in place - with further progress planned

 

M-real Corporation Press Release on 28 January 2010

M-real's energy efficiency system is now in place - with further progress planned 

M-real, Europe's leading primary fibre paperboard producer and major paper supplier, has met its target to implement an Energy Efficiency System (EES) in all its production units by the end of 2009. M-real is among the first companies in the world to adopt such a management system, now integrated into M-real's operating policies and providing a foundation for the company's continuous energy efficiency improvement activities in the future.  

"The EES not only provides answers to internal obligations, it also proves to our customers that we take measures to cut down our own energy consumption and thereby fulfil our share in combating climate change," says Mikko Helander, CEO of M-real. "This system allows us to improve energy efficiency thoroughly throughout the company. Energy efficiency is now a systematic and visible part of M-real's daily operations," he continues. 

Several operational energy efficiency projects are underway within the system; on average 50-100 projects a year. The total amount of energy saved in one year, as a result of these projects, so far equals the amount of energy consumed by a small town. 

The latest major project to improve M-real's energy efficiency is the Husum mill's new turbine investment, totalling EUR 22 million. The measures will improve electricity self-sufficiency at the Husum site from 30 per cent to 50 per cent. The investment is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.  

Optimisation of energy efficiency has a key role in M-real and environmental issues are closely related to energy, with M-real's EES being integrated to the ISO 14001 environmental standard. M-real continues to take measures to reduce its impact on climate and the environment in general. Its carbon dioxide emissions have already decreased by almost 20,000 metric tonnes a year.  

The EES is part of M-real's climate programme and will enhance the company's competitiveness, as many measures to slow down climate change also have a positive effect on energy costs. Its ability to take the climate impacts of production into account received significant recognition when M-real came second in its field in the 2009 Nordic Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI).  

Water consumption is strongly related to energy efficiency and water systems in M-real's production units have also been continuously improved. By paying attention to water consumption it is possible to make heat usage more effective.  

Reporting in M-real is open and transparent. M-real is able to provide its customers with carbon footprint calculations for all its products, covering the manufacturing processes of pulp, board and paper - including purchased electricity - as well as the transportation of wood raw material, pulp and products. Another source of information is Paper Profiles, environmental product declarations, which are available for all its products on M-real's web site.   

For further information, please contact: 

Juha Laine, Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications, tel. +358 10 465 4335