GERMANY — UPM inaugurated its biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, marking the start of a new industrial platform for renewable chemicals made from wood. The biorefinery converts lignocellulosic biomass, primarily wood from sustainably managed forests and sawmill residues, into biochemicals. With an annual capacity of 220,000 tonnes, it is the largest facility of its kind in the world. The ramp-up has progressed further. Enzymatic hydrolysis and the production of lignin-derived specialty chemicals have reached stable operation, and UPM is ramping up sales of these products. …The biochemicals will be used in everyday products, from clothing and packaging to cosmetics, construction materials and tires. Many of these are still made from fossil-based raw materials. …The biorefinery uses beechwood from thinnings and sawmill residues. Using enzymatic hydrolysis, it breaks the biomass down into industrial sugars and lignin. The facility represents a total investment of €1,370 million.