UPM Leuna Wood-Based Biochemicals Biorefinery (Germany)

First commercial-scale biorefinery turning hardwood (beech thinnings and sawmill residues sourced within about 200 km) into biochemicals. Enzymatic hydrolysis splits the biomass into industrial sugars and lignin. A catalytic step converts the sugars to BioMEG and BioMPG, and the lignin becomes renewable functional fillers (RFF) that replace carbon black and silica. The glycols serve PET packaging, polyester textiles, cosmetics and coolants, and the fillers serve tyres, rubber and plastics. The project is first of its kind. Start-up slipped from a 2022 plan to late 2024 and cost grew from EUR 550m to EUR 1,370m. Sugars and lignin chemicals have been sold since late 2025. The glycol process needs modifications, so integrated production is guided to Q2 2027 and nominal capacity to early 2028.