(UPM and ABC, Helsinki, Finland, 8 May 2015 at 9:30 EET) - As of May, UPM's new wood-based BioVerno diesel fuel will be available at ABC service stations. The product, sold as a part of ABC's Smart Diesel range, is a result of UPM's own innovation and is produced at the UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery. This high quality fuel suits all diesel engines.
ABC's Smart Diesel already boasts excellent properties, and now it has become even more environmentally sound with a locally produced diesel by its side. Renewable UPM BioVerno diesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% when compared to traditional diesel.
UPM BioVerno is produced at the UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery from crude tall oil, a residue of the pulp production process. This biorefinery is the first of its kind in the world. A significant proportion of the raw material for the diesel comes from UPM's Finnish pulp mills.
Also, the ABC chain is a Finnish innovation, so a diesel that is developed and manufactured in Finland is a natural choice for ABC service stations.
"We are glad to include Finnish products in our fuel supply, because producing fuel domestically calls for considerable innovation, specialised knowledge and a strong mindset," explains ABC's Development Director, Tiina Vehmala-Viksten.
UPM BioVerno is delivered to NEOT (North European Oil Trade), who is responsible for ABC's fuel sourcing. It will then be included in the Smart Diesel range, which is already being sold at ABC service stations. Just like a traditional diesel, UPM BioVerno is also suitable for any diesel engine.
"It is great to witness years of investment in technology and product development finally culminating in commercial activity. Sustainable, wood-based raw material is turned into a unique fuel that genuinely decreases greenhouse gas emissions and that is suitable for all diesel cars, buses and lorries, without needing to be blended," says Petri Kukkonen, Vice President, UPM Biofuels.
At the end of last year, UPM BioVerno diesel was granted the Key Flag Symbol, which has been used by the ABC chain for over a decade. Both companies are therefore the main partners in this year's celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Finland's oldest symbol of domestic origin.
For further information, please contact:
Tiina Vehmala-Viksten, Development Director, ABC chain, tel. +358 (0) 10 768 0810
Petri Kukkonen, Vice President, UPM Biofuels, tel. +358 (0) 40 592 7440
ABC
ABC is a Finnish service company that is part of the S Group. Their mission is to offer easy and fast services to both travellers and locals all year round. ABC offers a modern and diverse service network that covers all of Finland and the Åland Islands. The ABC chain includes ABC service stations, ABC automated stations and ABC CarWash services. Cars can be refuelled at 437 ABC stations. www.abcasemat.fi
UPM Biofuels
UPM plans to become a major player in high quality, advanced biofuels for transport. Biofuels are an essential part of the Biofore strategy. The innovative wood-based biofuels developed by the company and their production technologies are part of a sustainable future. UPM's biofuels are frontrunners in quality, usability and sustainability. They will significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. www.upmbiofuels.com
