A visit to the biorefinery was included in the royal itinerary in recognition of UPM’s unique achievement. Opened in January 2015, it is the world's first biorefinery to produce renewable wood-based diesel, UPM BioVerno.
“UPM has made industry history in Lappeenranta. Having two heads of state visit us is a fantastic public acknowledgement of the work being done here – and of our eagerness to reinvent our business,” says Jussi Pesonen.
The Finnish president and his wife and the Swedish royal couple listen to the story of UPM BioVerno.
From left: Harri Tuomaala (St1), Sari Mannonen (UPM), Marko Snellman (UPM), Mika Anttonen (St1), Petri Kukkonen (UPM) and Mika Wiljanen (St1) at the UPM BioVerno club.
After the official visit, UPM arranged a special reception to thank its partners for their support. The celebrations continued later in the evening in the UPM Kaukas club room, which had been transformed into the 'UPM BioVerno club'.
Photography: Sami Kulju
