The collaboration is driven by a shared vision to support the pharmaceutical industry’s move towards more sustainable packaging solutions, without compromising on product safety and performance. The new pharmaceutical bottles, containing UPM’s carbon negative1 BioMEG, are made from Selenis’ Selcare’s partial BioPET resins. They have recently been approved for use in accordance with European Pharmacopeia, Version 11.4, Monograph 3.1.15 and will be available worldwide at Bormioli Pharma from Q1 2025.
“Our pioneering collaboration demonstrates that renewable, wood-based biochemicals can deliver the same high quality as fossil-based virgin materials, with significant environmental benefits. Bormioli Pharma’s containers provide a relevant solution for a market with limited and strictly monitored options to accelerate the sustainable transformation. It also provides tangible proof that scalable solutions are present in the market today,” said Michael Duetsch, Vice President of Biochemicals at UPM.
The partnership emphasises the introduction of renewable, bio-based materials into existing plastic applications to help reduce fossil resource dependency. The partial BioPET containing UPM’s BioMEG is made from sustainably sourced materials, offering a radically lower carbon footprint while meeting the same quality requirements as traditional fossil PET. It can be processed and recycled in the currently existing processes without any technical adaptations. UPM is building the world’s first industry scale biorefinery that converts woody biomass into high value biochemicals, with hardwood being sourced from sustainably managed beechwood forests in the regions around Leuna, Germany.
“Selenis is thrilled to help drive forward the sustainable transformation of the pharmaceutical packaging industry with UPM and Bormioli Pharma, creating the world’s first European pharma-approved partial wood-based BioPET bottle”, said Eduardo Santos, Head of Corporate Strategy for Selenis.
Bormioli’s adoption of Selenis’ partial BioPET for the bottles progresses its ambitious goal of achieving more sustainable pharma packaging options for the market. It also emphasizes the wider feasibility of using regional, plant-based resources to phase out fossil resources for packaging with demanding application requirements.
For more information on UPM BioPura™ bio monoethylene glycol (BioMEG) visit https://www.upmbiochemicals.com/glycols/
UPM
We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility, we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 16,600 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 10.5 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com
Follow UPM on X | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | #UPM #biofore #beyondfossils
Bormioli Pharma
Bormioli is a leading manufacturer of glass and plastic packaging solutions, serving the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical markets with complete systems, including bottles, closures and accessories. Renowned for its innovation and quality, Bormioli Pharma provides sustainable and advanced packaging options to actively support the sustainable transition of the pharma industry.
