UPM Biochemicals has announced that its new biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, has received ISCC PLUS, PEFC, and FSC™ certifications.
This achievement underscores UPM’s commitment to a fully traceable and independently audited supply chain.
The certifications confirm that all wood-based raw materials used at the Leuna site are sourced from sustainably managed forests. For UPM, this rigorous traceability is a key commercial value, especially for customers focused on responsible sourcing.
“Our products are built on sustainability, and now that commitment is validated by globally recognized standards,” said Martin Ledwon, Vice President of Marketing, Sustainability and Communications at UPM Biorefining & Technology. “This reinforces brand and consumer trust while also supporting biodiversity and community well-being.”
The Leuna biorefinery uses only FSC™ or PEFC-certified hardwood from responsibly managed regional forests. These feedstocks are transformed into next-generation biochemicals such as UPM BioPura™ (BioMEG), BioMPG, UPM BioMotion™ Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF), and industrial sugars—sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials used in the automotive, textile, packaging, and cosmetics sectors.
Commercial production is set to begin in the second half of 2025. According to UPM, market demand already exceeds the site’s annual capacity multiple times, highlighting strong commercial interest.
The Leuna biorefinery is the first of its kind to produce advanced wood-based biochemicals at industrial scale. This project marks a key milestone in UPM’s strategy to lead the transition to a low-carbon, circular bioeconomy.
The company’s performance in sustainability has been widely recognized: UPM is the only forest industry firm listed in both the 2024–2025 Dow Jones World and Europe Sustainability Indices and is included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook.
UPM Biochemicals develops innovative, renewable, and competitive wood-based solutions to replace fossil-based materials across a wide range of applications. With the Leuna biorefinery, UPM is accelerating the shift toward responsible production and consumption through circular, bio-based innovation.
