(UPM, Helsinki, 28.09.2023 at 10:00 EEST) – UPM Biochemicals announced today that it has selected Brenntag SE, the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, as sole distributor of its sustainable bio-monoethylene glycol (BioMEG) UPM BioPura™ in Europe. The new distribution agreement will bring UPM BioPura™ to market, unlocking further commercial opportunities, while accelerating the introduction of sustainable forest-sourced materials into the chemical sector.
UPM Biochemicals is committed to the sustainable transformation of the chemical industry and is actively engaging with industry partners like Brenntag to enable its acceleration. By reducing its dependency on fossil-based materials and transitioning to a more circular, low emission operating model, the chemical industry can become a key enabler in the transformation to a net zero circular economy.
“As we evaluated potential partners, we were convinced by Brenntag’s strong distribution network across Europe, as well as its commitment to engage in evolving the chemical industry’s sustainability performance,” explained Michael Duetsch, Vice President Biochemicals at UPM. “Brenntag has demonstrated that they can market, deliver, and promote the advantages of more sustainable solutions. This partnership confirms the attractiveness of our portfolio and is a strong push for the commercialization of our first-of-its-kind biorefinery in Leuna, Germany. “
UPM invests EUR 1,180 million to build the world’s first industrial scale biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, where sustainably sourced, certified hardwood will be converted into next generation biochemicals that will enable the vital shift away from fossil-based to renewable materials across a wide range of industries. The Leuna biorefinery is part of a broader growth area, UPM Biorefining, focused on scaling refineries producing a variety of renewable fuels and chemicals made from sustainable biomass. UPM has already signed multiple distribution agreements in the past year to market UPM BioMotion™ Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF), another product within the innovative new category of bio-based products.
UPM BioPura™ will be produced from certified hardwood obtained from regional forests around Leuna. The biomass does not compete with food resources and will provide manufacturers with a viable option to progress towards their net zero targets and significantly reduce their scope 3 emissions* by switching effortlessly from fossil-based ingredients to a renewable, drop-in solution.
“Brenntag is making significant progress towards its goal of furthering the distribution of sustainable chemicals. We are intensively field-testing new technologies to drive this change forward and are working closely with supply partners like UPM to offer our customers the best possible bio-based alternatives to established chemicals and ingredients to lower carbon emissions,” comments Wolfgang Edel, Senior Manager Sustainable Products and Solutions at Brenntag.
From left to right: Marvin Strüfing (Director Sales Renewable Glycols, UPM Biochemicals), Christian Hübsch (Director Sales & Marketing, UPM Biochemicals), Daniel Schwarz (Director Product Management Solvents EMEA, Brenntag), Horst Rottbeck (Vice President Controlling Brenntag Essentials EMEA, Brenntag), Wolfgang Edel (Senior Manager Sustainable Products and Solutions, Brenntag) (Picture: Brenntag)
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*The UPM life cycle assessment was carried out in accordance with ISO 14040 and based on cradle-to-gate system boundary. As the biorefinery is currently in the process of being built, the LCA will be gradually updated with primary data. The study has been critically reviewed by an independent third party according to ISO 14044.
UPM Biochemicals
UPM Biochemicals offers innovative, sustainable and competitive wood-based biochemicals for replacing fossil-based raw materials and improving the environmental performance in various applications. End-use segments for renewable glycols include textiles, PET bottles, packaging, coolants, composites, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and detergents. Lignin-based Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF) offer a sustainable alternative to carbon black and precipitated silica in a broad range of rubber and plastic applications. UPM is building an industrial scale biorefinery in Leuna, Germany to convert solid wood into next generation biochemicals. UPM Biochemicals is accelerating the transition to a circular bioeconomy – where renewable feedstocks, sustainable production and sustainable consumption are the new normal. www.upmbiochemicals.com
UPM
We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility, we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 17,000 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 11,7 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com
About Brenntag
Brenntag is the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution. The company holds a central role in connecting customers and suppliers of the chemical industry. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, Brenntag has more than 17,500 employees worldwide and operates a network of about 600 sites in 72 countries. In 2022, Brenntag generated sales of around 19.4 billion EUR. The two global divisions, Brenntag Essentials and Brenntag Specialties, provide a full-line portfolio of industrial and specialty chemicals and ingredients as well as tailor-made application, marketing and supply chain solutions, technical and formulation support, comprehensive regulatory know-how, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries. In the field of sustainability, Brenntag pursues specific goals and is committed to sustainable solutions in its own sector and the industries served. Brenntag shares have been listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2010, in the DAX since September 2021. In addition, the Brenntag SE shares are listed in the DAX 50 ESG and DAX ESG Target. For more information, visit www.brenntag.com.
