New UPM Circular Renewable Black: bio based, NIR detectable, carbon negative pigment

UPM has introduced its Circular Renewable Black, a groundbreaking innovation that redefines the role of black as a colour in sustainable packaging.

UPM Circular Renewable Black is a bio based, near infrared (NIR) detectable, carbon negative pigment, enabling premium packaging solutions that combine design excellence with full recyclability and a strong sustainability performance.

For years, black packaging has been associated with recycling challenges as the conventionally used pigments are made from carbon black which inhibits NIR detection and makes the materials invisible to the sorting systems in recycling facilities. UPM Circular Renewable Black changes that narrative. The new pigment is derived from renewable lignin and certified by third party standards such as FSC, PEFC and ISCC Plus. It delivers iconic deep black colour for premium aesthetics, full NIR detectability for efficient recycling and a carbon negative footprint, supporting climate positive brand solutions.

‘With UPM Circular Renewable Black, we are redefining what is possible in sustainable packaging. For years, black was seen as incompatible with circularity – but we have changed that narrative,’ said Robert Marx, vice president commercial for UPM Biorefining. ‘This innovation combines iconic deep black with full recycling detectability and a carbon negative footprint, proving that sustainability and design excellence can go hand in hand. It is a breakthrough that reflects UPM’s commitment to driving bold, science based solutions for brand success and a truly sustainable circular economy.’

The new Circular Renewable Black is part of the company’s portfolio of CO2 negative solutions to be produced at the company’s €1.3 billion biorefinery in Leuna, Germany. The facility is the largest industrial scale investment in biochemicals in Europe and converts sustainably sourced hardwood into next generation biochemicals, enabling the transition from fossil based to renewable materials across multiple industries.