The paper mill, the largest of its kind in the UK, produces 100% recycled newsprint – diverting more than 650,000 tonnes of waste paper from landfill a year.
Mr Jones was able to see how the investment into renewable energy has enabled the mill to reduce its CO2 emissions by 100,000 tonnes and to produce 30% of its own electricity.
Now UPM Shotton's management is looking to generate energy from other types of waste in an attempt to become as self-sufficient as possible whilst reducing emissions further.
Following a presentation on the mill's journey to renewable energy, Mr Jones was taken on a tour of the facilities to see first-hand the investments at UPM Shotton.
Mr Jones said: “UPM Shotton has clearly demonstrated how businesses can harness renewable energy technology to provide economic and environmental benefits. I am impressed to see they are not standing still but seeking to reduce their impact on the environment further by taking advantage of novel forms of energy production.”
David Ingham, general manager of UPM Shotton, added: “We strive to improve our operations across all areas to create value from renewable and recyclable materials. Our closed loop manufacturing site is a clear example of UPM's commitment to continuous improvement and our front-runner vision.”
UPM Shotton is part of UPM, a global forest products business and Europe's biggest recycler of newspapers and magazines.
The company produces newsprint for the national and the regional press, with capacity to produce 500,000 tonnes a year.
Following the investment of over £120million to create the world's biggest single line recovered fibre pulping facility, UPM Shotton now creates newsprint from 100% recovered paper sources.
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