Commercial launch for new UPM biorefinery - sportstextiles: Lea SportsTextiles

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Commercial launch for new UPM biorefinery

08/01/2026
Commercial launch for new UPM biorefinery
Finnish group UPM Biochemicals officially launched the production of renewable glycols at its new biorefinery, located in Leuna, west of Leipzig in Germany, late last year. The company claims it is the largest such facility in Europe. The plant breaks down wood into lignin and sugars. The sugars are converted into glycols that can be used to make polyester fibres, PET packaging along with coolants, composites, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and detergents. The lignin-based component is used to make carbon black and fillers that can replace synthetic rubbers and plastics. 

Once fully operational, which is expected in mid 2026, it will produce 220,000 tonnes yearly of biochemicals derived from sustainably sourced hardwood, the company said. 

Phot courtesy of UPM Biochemicals

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