UPM-Kymmene Corporation Stock exchange release 12 January 2015 at 11:30 EET
UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery is in commercial production
The world's first wood-based renewable diesel biorefinery has started commercial production in Lappeenranta, Finland. UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery is based on a hydrotreatment process developed by UPM, and produces approximately 120 million litres of renewable UPM BioVerno diesel yearly.
"Lappeenranta Biorefinery is the first significant investment in a new and innovative production facility in Finland during the ongoing transformation of the forest industry. It is also a focal part in the implementation of our company's Biofore transformation strategy," saysHeikki Vappula, Executive Vice President, UPM Biorefining.
"The production process works as planned and the high quality end product, UPM BioVerno diesel, fulfils customer specifications. The start-up phase of the biorefinery began in early autumn, and it has included customary new process and production related challenges. The biorefinery is first of its kind in the world. We are now happy to move forward from start-up phase and be able to concentrate on regular production process", says Petri Kukkonen, Head of UPM Biofuels business.
Innovative biofuel
The UPM BioVerno diesel is produced out of crude tall oil, a residue of pulp production, in the UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery. A big portion of the raw material come from UPM's own pulp mills in Finland.
UPM BioVerno renewable diesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80 per cent compared to traditional diesel. Based on research, high quality UPM BioVerno works with all diesel motors just as well as any regular diesel. UPM has a sales agreement with NEOT (North European Oil Trade), a wholesale organisation of oil and biofuel products.
"It is great to see how the results of technology and product development work that took many years will materialise as a commercial operation. Sustainable wood-based raw materials are turned into a unique fuel that truly decreases emissions and is suitable for all diesel cars, buses and trucks," says Kukkonen.
Significant investment in bioeconomy
UPM has built a € 175 million biorefinery without any public investment grants. Construction of the UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery started in summer 2012 and the foundation stone was laid in November of the same year. The construction employed nearly 200 people for approximately two years. The biorefinery will directly employ nearly 50 people and indirectly about 150 people.
"I want to thank the biofuels team and our partners for their co-operation both in the construction and start-up phase. The know-how of many UPMers is combined in the Lappeenranta Biorefinery, and it is a clear sign of our company's will to take strong steps in furthering the bioeconomy," says Vappula.
For further information, please contact:
Heikki Vappula, Executive Vice President, UPM Biorefining, tel. +358 400 912 908
Petri Kukkonen, Vice President, UPM Biofuels, tel. +358 40 592 7440
Photos:
http://www.upm.com/EN/MEDIA/Media-Centre/Image-gallery/Production/Biorefinery/Pages/default.aspx
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UPM
Through the renewing of the bio and forest industries, UPM is building a sustainable future across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Paper Asia, UPM Paper Europe and North America and UPM Plywood. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. We serve our customers worldwide. The group employs around 21,000 people and its annual sales are approximately EUR 10 billion. UPM shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. UPM - The Biofore Company - www.upm.com
UPM Biofuels
UPM plans to become a major player in high quality, advanced biofuels for transport. Biofuels are an essential part of the Biofore strategy. The innovative wood-based biofuels developed by the company and their production technologies are part of a sustainable future. UPM's biofuels are frontrunners in quality, usability and sustainability. They will significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. www.upmbiofuels.com
