Bio Refinery Project Leuna
Entity
UPM Biochemicals GmbH
Site Category
Site in a Project-Phase
Postal Code
06237
Location
/ Leuna
State / Province
Sachsen-Anhalt
Street
Am Hauptor
Additional Location Info
Bau 4614
Website
https://www.upm.com/about-us/for-media/releases/2020/01/upm-invests-in-next-generation-biochemicals-to-drive-a-switch-from-fossil-raw-materials-to-sustainable-solutions/
Description

Developed by UPM-Kymmene Corporation, the UPM Leuna Biorefinery is designed to produce renewable biochemicals from sustainably sourced hardwood, marking a significant step toward replacing fossil-based chemicals in major industries.

Plant and Capacity

  • Annual Production Capacity: The biorefinery is engineered to produce 220,000 tonnes per year of advanced biochemicals. 
  • Feedstock: The plant exclusively uses hardwood from certified, sustainably managed forests in Germany (FSC™/PEFC-certified). 
  • Facility Layout: The Leuna site is a large, integrated complex designed for efficient wood fractionation, chemical conversion, and product recovery.

Technologies and Licensors

  • Proprietary Technology: UPM developed the core process technology in-house over more than a decade. The process includes:
    • Fractionation: Breaking down wood into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.
    • Biochemical Conversion: Transforming sugars into chemicals via fermentation and chemical catalysis.
    • Lignin Valorization: Converting lignin into high-value renewable functional fillers (RFF).
  • Licensors: Most technology is proprietary to UPM, with some process steps potentially involving licensed or partnered solutions (details are largely undisclosed).

Products and Applications

Bio-Monoethylene Glycol (BioMEG): Polyester fibers, PET bottles, antifreeze
Bio-Monopropylene Glycol (BioMPG): Composites, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics
Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF): Tires, rubber, plastics (alternative to carbon black)
Industrial Sugars: Chemical intermediates​​​​​

  • Distribution Partnerships: UPM has secured strong commercial partnerships, such as with Brenntag (for bio-MEG distribution) and Haertol (for antifreeze applications).

Project Timeline and Challenges

  • Construction Start: October 2020
  • Original Start-Up Target: 2022
  • Delays:
    The project has faced significant delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and technical challenges—especially in scaling up the sugars-to-chemicals process.
    • Current Status (June 2025): Commercial production is now expected in the second half of 2025.
    • Cost Overruns: UPM reported a €373 million impairment due to project delays and increased costs.
    • Full Ramp-Up: Expected by 2027
System Info

Modified by
UserPic  Kokel, Nicolas
Modified
6/26/2025 12:41 PM
Added by
UserPic  Braun (Development User), Uwe
Added
1/8/2021 1:50 PM
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