UPM, Helsinki, Finland, reports that its UPM Paper Asia business area has been renamed UPM Specialty Papers, effective this past Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016. The new name highlights the business area's strategic focus on specialty papers and global operations.

UPM Specialty Papers has global market leadership in labeling materials and focuses on high quality release liners, face papers, and flexible packing papers. Fine papers continue to be an integral part of the business portfolio in Asia. The business area has a strong market position, competitive products, and world-class assets in Finland and China. In 2015 its sales exceeded EUR 1,160 million.

"Our business area has a solid foothold in Europe with our label and packaging materials. In Asia Pacific, we are one of the largest office paper suppliers and the new production line in Changshu has strengthened our labeling materials positioning in the region. In the Americas, we are establishing a stronger local presence by reinforcing our sales," saids Bernd Eikens, EVP, UPM Specialty Papers.

Through the renewing of the bio and forest industries, UPM is building a sustainable future across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Paper ENA, and UPM Plywood. Its products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. The group employs around 19,600 people and its annual sales are approximately EUR 10 billion.