UPM, SELENIS and BORMIOLI PHARMA introduce the world's first pharmaceutical bottle partially made with wood-based plastics

UPM Biochemicals, Selenis and Bormioli Pharma have partnered to produce the world’s first pharmaceutical bottles made from partially wood-based PET. This bottle takes sustainability in pharma packaging to a whole new level. As the high regulatory and performance requirements for pharma packaging may limit the use of new or recycled materials, this bottle uses standard PET which is made with UPM’s world first wood based BioMEG, UPM BioPuraTM, to take a real step forward in the sustainable transformation of the pharmaceutical sector.

The collaboration is driven by a shared vision to support the pharmaceutical industry’s move towards more sustainable packaging solutions, without compromising on product safety and performance. The new pharmaceutical bottles, containing UPM’s carbon negative[1] BioMEG, are made from Selenis’ Selcare’s partial BioPET resins. They have recently been approved for use in accordance with European Pharmacopeia, Version 11.4, Monograph 3.1.15 and will be available worldwide at Bormioli Pharma from Q1 2025.

“Our pioneering collaboration demonstrates that renewable, wood-based biochemicals can deliver the same high quality as fossil-based virgin materials, with significant environmental benefits. Bormioli Pharma’s containers provide a relevant solution for a market with limited and strictly monitored options to accelerate the sustainable transformation. It also provides tangible proof that scalable solutions are present in the market today,” said Michael Duetsch, Vice President of Biochemicals at UPM.

UPM, SELENIS and BORMIOLI PHARMA introduce the world's first pharmaceutical bottle partially made with wood-based plastics (Picture: Bormioli Pharma).

The partnership emphasises the introduction of renewable, bio-based materials into existing plastic applications to help reduce fossil resource dependency. The partial BioPET containing UPM’s BioMEG is made from sustainably sourced materials, offering a radically lower carbon footprint while meeting the same quality requirements as traditional fossil PET. It can be processed and recycled in the currently existing processes without any technical adaptations. UPM is building the world’s first industry scale biorefinery that converts woody biomass into high value biochemicals, with hardwood being sourced from sustainably managed beechwood forests in the regions around Leuna, Germany.

“Selenis is thrilled to help drive forward the sustainable transformation of the pharmaceutical packaging industry with UPM and Bormioli Pharma, creating the world’s first European pharma-approved partial wood-based BioPET bottle,” said Eduardo Santos, Head of Corporate Strategy for Selenis.

Bormioli’s adoption of Selenis’ partial BioPET for the bottles progresses its ambitious goal of achieving more sustainable pharma packaging options for the market. It also emphasizes the wider feasibility of using regional, plant-based resources to phase out fossil resources for packaging with demanding application requirements.

For more information on UPM BioPura™ bio monoethylene glycol (BioMEG) visit https://www.upmbiochemicals.com/glycols/

For further information please contact:
Martin Ledwon, Vice President Stakeholder Relations, UPM Biorefining & Technology, martin.ledwon@upm.com

UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EET
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 helping to improve 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 16,600 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 10.5 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com

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SELENIS
Selenis is a supplier of high quality and innovative specialty polymer solutions for diverse applications. Their mission relies on employing their profound knowledge of polymers, formulations, and processing, in partnership with their clients to develop future-fit solutions and commit to create opportunities.

Selenis is a global business with production sites in Portugal, Italy and the USA. Their production facilities have batch and continuous SSP units, permitting the production of a wide range of polymers to meet highly technical markets. Their production configurations provides Selenis the flexibility to produce both amorphous and crystallised products. 

Committed to playing a role in society’s collective response to the plastic waste challenge, Selenis creates partnerships across the value chain to create long term solutions. Highly focused on sustainability, Selenis centers their innovation in developing resins with up to 50% recycled content and solutions that are fully recyclable in the PET stream. Their progress in molecular recycling turns waste into the building blocks of their specialty resins, contributing to the fight against climate change. 

Selenis and their sister company, Evertis, are members of the IMG group, an international business headquartered in Portugal with operations around the world.  Our businesses have been pioneers in the polyester industry since 1959. To discover more, please visit our website at www.selenis.com

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BORMIOLI PHARMA
BORMIOLI is a leading manufacturer of glass and plastic packaging solutions, serving the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical markets with complete systems, including bottles, closures and accessories. Renowned for its innovation and quality, BORMIOLI PHARMA provides sustainable and advanced packaging options to actively support the sustainable transition of the pharma industry.