UPM Biofore Magazine 1-2019

Amid the search for alternatives to fossil rawmaterials, the demand for renewable, recyclable materials is set to grow substantially. UPM is developing new, innovative, high-quality products made fromwood- based biomass, as well as materials that are renewable, recyclable and have a minimal impact on the environment. UPMBiochemicals specialises in developing wood-based biochemicals, a market that is expected to grow significantly over the coming years. Biochemicals replace fossil rawmaterials with renewable alternatives. The product segments in question are glycols and lignin products. Development is currently in the pre-commercial phase: UPM is actively developing and testing technologies in search of concepts that can be produced on an industrial scale. UPM is also continuing to explore the possibility of constructing a biorefinery in Germany. The proposed industrial-scale biorefinery would produce 150,000 tonnes of bio-monoethylene glycol (bMEG), bio-monopropylene glycol (bMPG) and lignin from hardwoods. Potential application areas are textiles, bottles, packaging, antifreeze, composites and resins.  FORWARD STRIDES FOR UPM BIOCHEMICALS

more efficient recycling and reuse of plastics in Europe. “Hopefully plastic waste won’t be exported to other Asian countries where environmental standards are laxer,” Katainen adds. Ocean pollution is a visible problem that has changed the way people think about plastics. “A large proportion of the rubbish that ends up in the oceans is plastic, and that applies to rubbish from the EU, as well. This creates serious problems for the environment — and human health is affected by microplastics too. Citizens and politicians strongly support changes in legislation, so we have to take advantage of the situation,” he points out. With his term as vice-president of the European Commission coming to an end, Katainen says that legislation on the circular economy is a good example of the deepening integration of Europe. “The circular economy is also an important component of climate policy. When the legislation is successfully implemented, the EU will function better than before. Replacing fossil rawmaterials with new alternatives doesn’t need to mean higher costs and lower quality of life — the circular economy can also function as a strong foundation for economic growth.”

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