UPM has announced the launch of UPM Circular Renewable Black, an innovation that could finally resolve one of the greatest dilemmas facing the circular economy in packaging: the incompatibility between black colour and recyclability.
The problem of black invisibility
For decades, black packaging has posed a challenge for the recycling industry. Traditional carbon black-based pigments prevent automatic sorting systems in recycling facilities from detecting materials through NIR (Near-InfraRed) technology, rendering these packages effectively "invisible" and destined for disposal.
UPM's bio-based solution
UPM's new pigment represents a triple innovation:
• 100% bio-based: derived from renewable lignin certified to FSC™, PEFC and ISCC Plus standards
• NIR-detectable: fully detectable by automatic sorting systems
• Carbon-negative: with a negative carbon footprint contributing to climate sustainability
"We are redefining what's possible in sustainable packaging. For years, black was seen as incompatible with circularity - but we've changed that narrative completely", said Robert Marx, Vice President Commercial for UPM Biorefining.
Impact on the packaging industry
The innovation opens new possibilities for brands seeking to:
• Maintain the premium aesthetics of deep black
• Guarantee full recyclability of their packaging
• Reduce environmental impact with climate-positive solutions
• Respond to growing consumer demands for sustainable products
European production excellence
UPM Circular Renewable Black will be produced at UPM's biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, a 1.3 billion euros investment representing Europe's largest industrial-scale biochemicals facility. The plant converts sustainably sourced hardwood into next-generation biochemicals, enabling the transition from fossil-based to renewable solutions.
Towards a circular future
This innovation forms part of UPM's broader portfolio of CO2-negative solutions and represents a significant step towards realising an effective circular economy in the packaging sector, where design, functionality and sustainability converge in a single solution.
