UPM Biochemicals announced today that it has further expanded its distribution network in Europe and Turkey for its UPM BioMotion™ Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF), an innovative new category of bio-based products.
This strong distribution partner network expands the reach of RFF into new markets and will enable UPM Biochemicals to accelerate the sustainable transformation of the chemical industry.
UPM is investing 750 million Euros to build the world’s first industry scale biorefinery in Leuna to convert sustainably sourced, certified woody biomass into next generation biochemicals. The biorefinery aims to produce 220,000 tonnes annually in total, with start-up targeted to take place by the end of 2023.
“A strong distribution partner network is the core of UPM Biochemicals’ sales strategy to achieve a rapid and broad market reach for its sustainable solutions which will help to transform the chemical industry”, said Dr. Christian Hübsch, Director Sales & Marketing at UPM Biochemicals. “Distribution partners will develop the local markets and ensure that their customers are ready to use RFF in rubber and plastics applications from the moment the UPM biorefinery in Leuna is operational, therefore achieving an immediate step change in the environmental performance of the end products.”
The list of RFF distributors includes:
- Lehmann&Voss&Co. (DACH region and Italy for rubber; UK for rubber and plastics)
- KRAHN Chemie Deutschland GmbH (DACH region for plastics)
- Azelis (Italy for plastics; France, Turkey and Benelux for rubber and plastics)
- Algol Chemicals (Nordics and Baltics for rubber and plastics)
- Omya (Eastern Europe and Iberia for rubber and plastics)
To deepen the collaboration with the distributor network, UPM Biochemicals hosted its inaugural RFF Distribution Summit in Leuna, Germany, to welcome its latest partners and to share the most recent product and application knowledge.
UPM BioMotionTM RFF are a completely new, sustainable product and alternative to fossil-based carbon black, precipitated silica, and other filler materials in various rubber and plastic end uses such as automotive profiles, hoses, precision sealings, flooring, footwear, packaging, plastics compounding, and other applications.
RFF are produced from sustainably sourced, certified hardwood obtained from forests in the regions around Leuna and have a significantly lower CO2 footprint compared to traditional, oil-based products. They enable companies to respond to drastically changing market conditions, increasing consumer demands for advanced product sustainability and to make a tangible contribution to achieving 2050 climate targets.
Participants at this year’s UPM RFF Distribution Summit in Leuna, Germany. (Picture: UPM)
For further information please contact:
Martin Ledwon, Vice President Stakeholder Relations UPM Biochemicals, martin.ledwon@upm.com
UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EEST
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com
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
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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 11,2 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com
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