UPM PM4 label and flexible packaging paper machine, Jämsänkoski, Finland

UPM is a large paper mill in Jämsänkoski, central Finland, which has an annual production capacity of 870,000t and employs 750 people (28,000 worldwide).

Paper accounts for 70% of UPM's business, split between magazine papers, newsprint and speciality papers. Wood products, converting and other smaller lines make up the other 30%.

UPM recently upgraded its PM4 packaging paper machine to meet growing demands from the label market, which is increasing at an annual rate of 5%.

The refit took two months to complete, during which time more than 300t of old parts were stripped from the machine.

Since April 2007, the PM4 has produced one-side coated face papers, coated release liners and flexible packaging paper.

Along with UPM’s PM3 machine, the two machines will produce 260,000t of paper per year.

UPM PRODUCTS

New products coming off the line include UPM’s LabelCoat TT, LabelCoat LC and SwanCoat face and base papers for self-adhesive labels and flexible packaging. These papers have basis weight ranges from 50gsm to 90gsm and are produced at speeds up to 800m per minute.

Extensive testing and fine-tuning ensure the PM4 is running comfortably at full capacity, with no paper curling. Speeds of up to 13,500 sheets per hour have been recorded.

Consumption of spruce trees runs at 950,000m³ per year.

UPM uses only Scandinavian spruce and 90% of the forests it trades with are officially certified, meaning supplies are sustainable.

The mill has a biofuels plant that uses tree stumps, logging chips and waste wood to generate energy and heat for the inhabitants of two nearby towns. The biofuels plant supplies around 60% of the mill’s energy needs.

Jämsänkoski mill has been granted the ISO 9001 Quality System Certificate, the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certificate and the OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Certificate.