EUBCE 2026 - Gerd UNKELBACH - Implementation of UPM’s Lignocellulosic Biorefinery for the Production of Sustainable Chemicals and Materials

Implementation of UPM’s Lignocellulosic Biorefinery for the Production of Sustainable Chemicals and Materials

Short Introductive summary

UPM Biochemicals is currently ramping-up a unique, first of its kind biorefinery in Leuna, Germany to produce sustainable wood-based biochemicals. Our €1,180 million investment will create bio-based drop-in alternatives to chemicals and materials currently produced from fossil raw materials offering high-quality, low carbon solutions for packaging, textiles, thermoplastics, resins, rubber and many other applications. We enable customers to reduce emissions, improve environmental performance and accelerate the transition to a circular bioeconomy. Main products from sustainably sourced hardwood generated at the Leuna biorefinery are mono ethylene (MEG) and mono propylene (MPG) glycol, lignin-based renewable functional fillers (RFF) as well as so called 2nd generation industrial sugars, suitable as carbon source for further chemical or biotechnological transformations. Within the talk some background information on the development of the plant will be provided focussing in particular on the process configuration. A comparison of the selected technologies with pulp mills is also included, and potential synergies are highlighted. Finally, the possible applications of the products and their outstanding properties, which go beyond mere substitution possibilities, are discussed.