UPM's newsprint division president, Dr Hartmut Wurster, said the renewal was part of UPM's commitment to continue development of global newspaper markets.

SFN seeks to identify, analyse and publicise all strategic and operational breakthroughs and opportunities that can benefit newspapers.

The project produces annual reports on strategic developments in the newspaper industry.

Twelve reports have been published so far, and a further six will be released at the World Newspaper Congress in Istanbul, Turkey, from 29 May to 2 June. The Finnish paper manufacturing group, one of the world's leading producers of newsprint, has been involved in the project since 1999.