UPM is Focusing on the Netherlands for Constructing a New Biorefinery
The Finnish company will make decision on possible Rotterdam location later this year
The Finnish company UPM has announced that the basic engineering of the next-generation biofuels refinery is now at a point where they have completed site assessments. Work continues in Rotterdam, where UPM considers the operating environment favorable for the biofuels business. Further decisions are not expected before the end of the year, UPM stated the news in the presentation of its 2021 annual figures.
UPM is specialized in turning wood biomass, liquid waste and other raw materials into renewable materials. The company wants to increase its worldwide production capacity.
The Port of Rotterdam reports that it has reserved a location for UPM at the Maasvlakte 2 deep sea port.
Rotterdam as strategic location for UPM
The Port of Rotterdam is a logistically strong location for the international supply of raw materials, offering superb infrastructure. The Netherlands is centrally located for access to European customers and suppliers. The Dutch chemicals ecosystem is strategically connected to the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Rhein-Ruhr Area (ARRRA), one of the key industrial regions in Europe and one of the top five chemical clusters in the world. Moreover, the Netherlands and the Port of Rotterdam have ambitious goals with regards to sustainability. Global challenges in the field of climate change, circularity, mobility, health and food provide an opportunity for pioneering innovation in the chemical industry.
Recently, international companies Neste and Shell have also announced plans for the production of biofuels and biokerosene in the Netherlands.
About UPM
UPM is a global leader of the forest industry with a history dating back over 100 years. It is specialized in developing sustainable wood-based renewable biochemicals that provide solutions for replacing fossil-based raw materials.
Sources: UPM press release and Port of Rotterdam
9 February 2022