UPM's Leuna Biorefinery Begins Commercial Production of Bio-based Chemicals
- The Leuna biorefinery is Europe's largest industrial-scale investment in biochemicals.
- The facility will produce 220,000 tonnes of advanced biochemicals annually by 2026.
- The biorefinery converts wood into industrial sugars, renewable glycols, and lignin fillers.
- UPM's strategy aligns with EU decarbonization goals.
Leuna Biorefinery Milestone
UPM's Leuna biorefinery in Germany has started producing commercial wood-based chemicals, marking a significant milestone. This facility is the largest industrial-scale investment in biochemicals in Europe.
Production Capabilities
The biorefinery has achieved stable operation in separating lignin and sugars, essential for converting sugars to renewable glycols and lignin to renewable functional fillers. These products are crucial for various applications, including PET packaging, polyester textiles, and cosmetics.
Future Outlook
UPM plans to introduce more commercial products from Leuna by the first half of 2026. Once fully operational, the facility will produce 220,000 tonnes of advanced biochemicals annually, derived from sustainably sourced hardwood.
Industry Impact
The Leuna biorefinery supports the transition from fossil-based to renewable materials across multiple industries. UPM's strategy aligns with the EU's decarbonization and industrial competitiveness goals, positioning bio-based innovation as a growth engine for Europe.
Source: UPM