The Coca-Cola Company, Changchun Meihe Science & Technology and UPM have recently announced the first planned commercialization of technologies to efficiently convert second-generation biomass to plant-based monoethylene glycol (bMEG).

This next-generation technology is not only more efficient than current bMEG technologies but is based on wood from sawmill side-streams and forest thinnings as part of sustainable forest management.

Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is one of the major components in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is used for plastic beverage bottles.

The combination of technologies will power a full-scale biorefinery currently being constructed by UPM in Leuna, Germany. This first-of-its kind biorefinery will produce plant-based monoethylene glycol (bMEG), plant-based monopropylene glycol (bMPG), as well as lignin-based Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF) made from 100% certified hardwood taken from sawmill and other wood industry side-streams. UPM’s investment will enable a shift from fossil raw materials to renewable alternatives in a large number of consumer end uses. The biorefinery will ramp up production in 2023 with a total annual capacity of 220,000 tonnes.

For further information, please see https://www.coca-colacompany.com/press-releases/coca-cola-changchun-meihe-and-upm-cooperate-to-commercialize-next-generation-biomaterials