UPM joins Cefic to strengthen the role of renewable chemistry in Europe
(UPM, Helsinki, 6 November 2025 at 10:00 EET) – UPM, the world-leading producer of wood-based biochemicals and biofuels, has joined Cefic – the European Chemical Industry Council. By becoming part of Europe’s strongest chemical industry network, UPM underlines its commitment to strengthening the role of renewable chemistry as an integral part of a competitive and sustainable European chemical industry.
“Europe’s chemical industry is vital for our continent’s prosperity and technological leadership,” says Harald Dialer, Executive Vice President, UPM Biorefining & Technology. “As a pioneer in wood-based biochemicals and biofuels, we are determined to help secure a strong, innovative and sustainable European chemical industry – one that is built on renewable and circular solutions.”
“We welcome UPM as a leading representative of the growing bio-based segment of our industry,” says Marco Mensink, Director General of Cefic. “Bio-based chemistry is key to achieving climate neutrality while driving innovation and securing Europe’s industrial competitiveness.”
UPM’s membership in Cefic marks another step in the company’s transformation from a forest industry leader into a major player in the European chemical landscape. With its state-of-the-art biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, UPM is pioneering the production of wood-based biochemicals – renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials used in packaging, textiles, and automotive applications.
By advancing renewable chemistry and bio-based innovation, UPM contributes to Europe’s industrial resilience, decarbonization, and the creation of high-value industry jobs.
Handshake in Brussels between Harald Dialer, Executive Vice President UPM Biorefining & Technology, and Marco Mensink, Director General of Cefic. (Picture: UPM)
For further information please contact:
Martin Ledwon, Vice President Marketing, Sustainability & Communications, UPM Biorefining & Technology, [email protected]
UPM, Media Relations
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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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