Apr 26, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. UPM has been granted EU Flower certification for the full range of its fine papers. Following the certification of its office papers in October 2006, the company offers its graphic, preprint, mail and digital printing papers with the European Eco-label certification as of mid-April, 2007. In addition to the office papers Yes, Future and UPM Office, the graphic papers UPM Finesse and UPM Fine are now authorized to carry the EU Flower, as well as the UPM Preprint papers and the woodfree grades from the UPM Mail and UPM DIGI paper ranges. UPM is one of the first paper manufacturers to have been rewarded with the EU Flower for its products. Supported by the European Commission and all member states and applied to more than 20 product groups from household appliances to textiles, the eco-label offers guidance to consumers and purchasers, who wish to purchase products with superior environmental performance. To receive the EU Flower, paper producers must meet strict regulations set on emissions to water and air as well as reduce energy consumption. In addition paper producers must meet a wide range of environmental and sustainable requirements. These include using recycled fibres or virgin wood fibres from sustainable managed forests. As part of the EU Flower assessment criteria, manufacturers must demonstrate the origin of all fibres and more than 10% of fibres must be sourced from certified sustainable managed forests. Producers must also demonstrate a commitment to the increase use of environmentally sound products during manufacture. UPM is one of the world’s leading forest products groups. The group's sales in 2006 were Euro 10 billion. UPM's main products include printing papers, converting materials and wood products. The European Eco-label, known as the "EU Flower" is a voluntary scheme designed to encourage businesses to market products that are genuinely a better choice for the environment. The EU Flower sets comprehensive standards for raw material, energy and water consumption, emissions, waste management, share of certified fibre and use of chemicals.