# UPM biorefinery development in Leuna, Germany

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/upm-biorefinery-development-in-leuna-germany
> Updated: 2026-10-19T07:12:22.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The development of a major wood-based biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, began with the commissioning of a specialized wastewater treatment plant by InfraLeuna GmbH. This anaerobic facility was designed to manage highly organic wastewater produced by UPM Biochemicals GmbH’s biorefinery project, a 1.3 billion euro investment aimed at producing biochemicals from sustainably sourced hardwood.

Following the infrastructure setup, UPM inaugurated the facility, which is described as the world’s largest wood-based biorefinery. The plant converts lignocellulosic biomass, such as sawmill residues and wood from managed forests, into approximately 220,000 tonnes of biochemicals annually. These products are intended for use in industries including textiles, packaging, cosmetics, construction, and rubber. The project marks a transition from pilot-scale to commercial-scale production for renewable carbon-based solutions in Europe.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: UPM inaugurates world's largest wood-based biorefinery in Germany

UPM has opened the world’s largest biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, converting wood biomass into renewable chemicals for use in packaging, cosmetics, and textiles.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/upm-inaugurates-worlds-largest-wood-based-biorefinery-in-germany

### 2026-10-06: InfraLeuna commissions wastewater plant for UPM biorefinery

InfraLeuna has launched an anaerobic wastewater treatment plant to support UPM Biochemicals’ 1.3 billion euro biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, which will produce 220,000 tonnes of biochemicals annually.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/infraleuna-commissions-wastewater-plant-for-upm-biorefinery

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Cite as: UPM biorefinery development in Leuna, Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/upm-biorefinery-development-in-leuna-germany