UPM-Kymmene Oyj: UPM launches UPM Circular Renewable Black- the first bio-based, NIR-detectable, carbon-negative pigment for premium packaging

(UPM, Helsinki, 11 December 2025 at 10:00 EET) - UPM introduces UPM Circular Renewable BlackTM, a groundbreaking innovation that redefines the role of black as a color in sustainable packaging. UPM Circular Renewable Black is the world's first bio-based, near-infrared (NIR) detectable, carbon-negative[1] pigment, enabling premium packaging solutions that combine design excellence with full recyclability and a strong sustainability performance.

For years, black packaging has been associated with recycling challenges as the conventionally used pigments are made from carbon black which inhibits NIR detection and makes the materials invisible to the sorting systems in recycling facilities. UPM Circular Renewable Black changes that narrative. UPM's new pigment is derived from renewable lignin and certified by third-party standards such as FSCTM [2], PEFC[3] and ISCC Plus. It delivers iconic deep black color for premium aesthetics, full NIR detectability for efficient recycling and a carbon-negative footprint, supporting climate-positive brand solutions.

"With UPM Circular Renewable Black, we are redefining what's possible in sustainable packaging. For years, black was seen as incompatible with circularity - but we've changed that narrative," says Robert Marx, Vice President Commercial for UPM Biorefining. "This innovation combines iconic deep black with full recycling detectability and a carbon-negative footprint, proving that sustainability and design excellence can go hand in hand. It's a breakthrough that reflects UPM's commitment to driving bold, science-based solutions for brand success and a truly sustainable circular economy."

UPM's Circular Renewable Black is part of UPM's portfolio of CO2-negative solutions to be produced at the company's €1.3billion biorefinery in Leuna, Germany. The facility is the largest industrial-scale investment in biochemicals in Europe and converts sustainably sourced hardwood into next-generation biochemicals, enabling the transition from fossil-based to renewable materials across multiple industries.

Learn more about UPM Circular Renewable Black here: https://go.upm.com/4rMj0TA

 
UPM launches UPM Circular Renewable Black. (Picture: UPM)

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 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
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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