- The biorefinery in Leuna is valued at 1.180 million euros.
- It will produce 220,000 tons of biochemicals annually.
- The facility uses certified beech wood from sustainable forestry.
- Key products include BioMEG, BioMPG, and renewable functional fillers.
Overview
UPM Biochemicals is constructing a pioneering biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, to produce hardwood-based biochemicals. This facility is the first of its kind globally and represents a significant step towards sustainable chemical production.
Investment and Capacity
The biorefinery is valued at 1.180 million euros and is designed to produce approximately 220,000 tons of basic chemicals annually. These chemicals will serve as sustainable raw materials for various consumer applications.
Raw Material and Process
The facility utilizes certified beech wood sourced from sustainable forestry in Saxony-Anhalt and neighboring regions. The biomass is harvested in a manner that preserves biological diversity and natural ecosystems, with full traceability under FSC® or PEFC systems. The process involves hydrolysis to convert the biomass into biochemicals.
Products
The biorefinery will produce bio-monoethylene glycol (BioMEG) for PET bottles, bio-monopropylene glycol (BioMPG) for detergents, and renewable functional fillers (RFFs) as alternatives to carbon black and precipitated silica.
Maintenance Partnership
Bilfinger has been selected as the maintenance partner under a 6-year framework agreement. They will provide comprehensive services covering plant, mechanical, electrical, measurement, control, and analytical technology to ensure efficient operations.
Environmental Impact
Beech wood, a climate-resistant species, is considered a future-proof raw material due to its growing population in German forests. The biorefinery supports the transformation of the chemical value chain towards a circular economy, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency.
