Nov 19, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. UPM has been named as nominee for the EMAS Awards 2012. This year the European Commission will recognize EMAS registered organisations that have demonstrated dedication in the field of water management in a number of ways. The awards will be presented in Brussels on November 29, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network. “UPM focuses on using water resources sustainably and has long term targets to decrease its water consumption and improve effluent quality.Water is an essential raw material in the pulp and paper production process. In 2012, the company has carried out several projects aimed at improving water management, including European Water Stewardship pilot at UPM Hürth paper mill and global bio-indicator study”, says Sami Lundgren, Director, Environmental Intelligence, UPM. EMAS puts a strong emphasis on the continuous improvement of registered organisations’ environmental performance. All of UPM’s European pulp and paper mills are certified in accordance with the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), a voluntary environmental management system. In addition, the Fray Bentos pulp mill in Uruguay is the first ever non-European mill included in the EMAS. Altogether UPM’s corporate registration and the respective environmental statement cover total 21 pulp and paper mills.