UPM opens biorefinery in Germany

UPM has inaugurated a biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, which will make up to 220,000 tonnes/year of renewable biochemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. The facility represents a total investment of €1,370 million. All processes have reached stable operation and UPM is ramping up sales. 

The refinery uses beechwood from thinnings and sawmill residues, sourced within about 200 km and unsuitable for higher-value uses like timber or furniture. It uses enzymatic hydrolysis to breaks the biomass down into industrial sugars and lignin for use in products ranging from cosmetics to clothing, packaging, construction materials and tyres.