EUROPE – In a pioneering effort to introduce more sustainable packaging in the pharmaceutical sector, UPM Biochemicals has partnered with Selenis and Bormioli Pharma to develop BioPET bottles made from partially wood-based PET.
The collaboration supports the pharmaceutical industry’s shift toward eco-friendly solutions while ensuring safety and performance standards remain uncompromised.
The new bottles are produced using UPM’s carbon-negative BioMEG and Selenis’ partial BioPET resins, resulting in a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional fossil-based PET.
Compliant with European Pharmacopeia standards, the bottles will be available globally through Bormioli Pharma starting in the first quarter of 2025.
UPM’s commitment to sustainable biochemicals extends to constructing an industry-scale biorefinery designed to convert sustainably managed beechwood biomass from German forests into high-value materials.
“Our pioneering collaboration demonstrates that renewable, wood-based biochemicals can deliver the same high quality as fossil-based materials, with significant environmental benefits,” said Michael Duetsch, Vice President of UPM Biochemicals.
He highlighted that the BioPET bottles offer a scalable, sustainable solution for the highly regulated pharmaceutical packaging market.
Pharmaceutical packaging’s rigorous regulatory and performance standards often limit the use of new or recycled materials, making BioPET a sustainable yet reliable choice.
Bormioli Pharma’s commitment to utilizing Selenis’ partial BioPET aligns with its goal to promote greener packaging options.
This move also demonstrates the potential of regional plant-based resources to substitute fossil-based materials in demanding packaging applications.
Eduardo Santos, Head of Corporate Strategy at Selenis, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Selenis is thrilled to 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.”
In related developments, UPM Specialty Papers recently teamed up with Michelman to introduce three new high-performance, recyclable paper packaging solutions.
Designed to address growing regulatory and brand demands for eco-friendly materials, these options provide a high-barrier, recyclable solution ideal for chocolate, coffee, and frozen foods, furthering UPM’s contribution to sustainable packaging.
One notable solution combines UPM’s Solide Lucent base paper with Michelman’s trio of water-based coatings to deliver high oxygen and moisture vapour barriers with heat-sealability, ideal for protecting demanding products like chocolate and coffee.
Another breakthrough is explicitly designed for frozen foods. It leverages UPM Asendo or UPM Asendo Pro barrier papers alongside Michelman’s next-generation heat-sealable coatings for optimal performance in cold conditions.
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