The environmental impacts of Metso's own manufacturing processes are not as critical as those arising during the operation of the products manufactured by Metso. Therefore R&D activities related to new, more environmentally sound solutions and operating methods form an essential part of Metso's environmental management and development of new products and services.

According to the eco-efficiency principles, Metso strives to produce more added value with less raw material — in other words, to use energy and water more efficiently and to reduce the amount of emissions and waste. The principle is applied in product development, manufacturing and distribution and in designing the use of the products and their disposal. Metso measures the eco-efficiency of its operations by the consumption of energy, raw materials and water, and by the emissions and waste generated during production.

The environmental principles required from suppliers are described in Metso's General Purchasing Conditions. The environmental impacts arising from the transportation are small in relation to the life cycle impacts of our products. Metso's products are manufactured primarily from easily recyclable materials.

Environmental targets
In 2003 we developed environmentally sound design practices as a part of the Metso Innovation Process. Furthermore, we have established indicators and evaluation methods for monitoring and developing the environmental performance of our product portfolio.

The implementation and certification of environmental management systems has progressed in all business areas. In February 2003, we organized our first corporate environment days. The event was participated also by customers and other key stakeholders.

Managing the supply chain
As a result of outsourcing non-core manufacturing activities, the responsibility for environmental impacts arising from the manufacture of our products lies more and more with our partners and suppliers. Our aims are to ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account throughout the supply chain, and to support our partners in developing efficient and environmentally sound solutions. Metso sites with an environmental management system compliant with the standards have supported the development of the environmental competence of our suppliers and partners.