UPM receives triple sustainability certification for the Leuna biorefinery

UPM Biochemicals is proud to announce that its new biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, has achieved ISCC PLUS, PEFC[1], and FSC™[2] chain-of-custody certifications – highlighting UPM’s commitment to sustainable sourcing, full traceability, and transparent operations.

The certifications confirm that all wood-based feedstocks used in the biorefinery are sourced from sustainably managed forests and are fully traceable through credible third-party auditing schemes. This independently verified sustainability is a core commercial value of UPM’s biochemicals, supporting customers who prioritize responsible sourcing in their value chains. 

“Our products are built on sustainability, and now that commitment is verified by globally recognized standards,” said Martin Ledwon, Vice President, Marketing, Sustainability and Communications, UPM Biorefining & Technology. “These certifications provide assurance that we meet the highest environmental and social standards throughout the supply chain – crucial not only for forest biodiversity and community responsibility, but also for brand trust and consumer confidence.” 

The Leuna biorefinery sources only FSC™ or PEFC-certified hardwood from regional, sustainably managed forests. These feedstocks are used to produce next-generation products such as UPM BioPura™ (BioMEG), BioMPG, UPM BioMotion™ RFF (Renewable Functional Fillers), and industrial sugars – all designed to replace fossil-based materials in sectors like automotive, textiles, packaging, and more. 

Commercial production at the Leuna site is expected to begin in the second half of 2025. Commercial interest in the products and side streams is confirmed with an opportunity pipeline multiple times the annual capacity of the refinery.

The Leuna biorefinery is the world’s first industrial-scale facility of its kind, converting wood into advanced biochemicals at scale. This milestone reinforces UPM’s role as a frontrunner in sustainable innovation. 

In recognition of its industry-leading practices, UPM remains the only forest and paper company listed in both the Dow Jones World and European Sustainability Indices for 2024–2025. UPM has also been included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook, placing it among the top-performing companies globally. 

UPM receives triple sustainability certification for the Leuna biorefinery. (Picture: UPM)

ISCC 

The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) is an independent multi-stakeholder initiative and leading certification system supporting sustainable, fully traceable, deforestation-free and climate-friendly supply chains. ISCC certification framework covers sustainable agricultural biomass, biogenic wastes and residues, non-biological renewable materials and recycled carbon-based materials. https://www.iscc-system.org/ 

FSC 

The Forest Stewardship Council – FSC – is a non-profit organization that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable forest management all over the world. FSC's vision is that the world’s forests meet the social, ecological, and economic rights and needs of the present generations without compromising those of future generations. www.fsc.org 

PEFC 

PEFC, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, is a leading global alliance of national forest certification systems. As an international non-profit, non-governmental organization, PEFC is dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification. www.pefc.org 

For further information please contact:
Martin Ledwon, Vice President Marketing, Sustainability & Communications, UPM Biorefining & Technology, 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 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
UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,800 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €10.3 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
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