Jul 1 2015
As part of ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2015 UPM showcases the Biofore Concept Car – a truly sustainable innovation. The Biofore Concept Car is on display from 30 June until 2 July 2015 at Messe Frankfurt.
“Forests are no longer just a source of timber, paper and pulp. When we look at the forest we see so much more. We see new biomaterials, biofuels and an endless source for truly sustainable innovations,” says Bernd Eikens, Executive Vice President, UPM Paper ENA.
Introducing an ecological dimension into car manufacturing
The Biofore Concept Car demonstrates the use of UPM’s innovative bio-based materials in the automotive industry. The majority of components in the Biofore Concept Car that are traditionally made of plastic are replaced by renewable UPM Formi biocomposite and thermoformable UPM Grada wood material. This leads to a significant improvement of the overall environmental performance of car manufacturing. The Biofore Concept Car was designed and manufactured by students from the Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
If a component is manufactured from biocomposite instead of plastic, the carbon footprint can decrease by 60%. Thanks to the lightweight and durable materials, the car weighs 150 kg less than vehicles of a comparable size, which also means reduced fuel consumption.
The car is fuelled by wood-based renewable UPM BioVerno diesel, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. UPM BioVerno is suitable for all diesel engines, including the 1.2 litre low-emission diesel engine featured in the Biofore Concept Car.
Continuous development – also in paper manufacturing
“ZELLCHEMING-Expo is an ideal platform to showcase UPM’s Biofore innovations – be it the Biofore Concept Car, modern biocomposites, biodiesel, biochemicals or just our innovative and sustainable paper portfolio,” explains Bernd Eikens.
By introducing UPM Valor, UPM Impresse and UPM ReCat to the market, UPM created new, high quality printing papers specialised on the needs of magazine publishers and advertisers. All performance papers reduce mailing and delivery costs while being more sustainable which increases the competitiveness of our customers.
The papers are ideal for publications and print products that demand premium quality. Thanks to the efficient use of raw materials these innovative papers have lower impact on the environment making UPM one of the leading manufacturers regarding sustainability.
The extensive paper selection of UPM includes publication and office papers as well as speciality papers for all kinds of end uses. UPM is committed to paper and believes in the coexistence of digital and print media. Paper is a true Biofore product, manufactured from renewable and recyclable materials in sustainably managed mills.
Check out the Biofore Concept Car video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbF99ScSkfY
Source: http://www.upm.com