Polyester is one of the most widely used synthetic fibres in textiles, but it is traditionally produced via monoethylene glycol (MEG) and purified terephthalic acid (PTA) obtained from fossil-based resources. New material solutions are exploring ways to replace fossil carbon while maintaining the performance and scalability of conventional fibres.
A 100% wood-based alternative for polyester production
UPM has developed a polyester solution made entirely from renewable, wood-based carbon. By combining renewable naphtha produced in Lappeenranta, Finland, with bio-based monoethylene glycol (BioMEG) produced in Leuna, Germany, UPM enables the production of polyester using renewable raw materials.
The material is designed as a drop-in alternative to conventional polyester, meaning it can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes without requiring major changes to current infrastructure.
The approach is based on a fully integrated value chain. At its Lappeenranta biorefinery, UPM converts residues from pulp production into renewable naphtha, which is used to produce terephthalic acid, one of the key building blocks of polyester. At the same time, its Leuna biorefinery produces bio-based monoethylene glycol from wood, the other essential component needed to make polyester.
From innovation to industrial reality
A key challenge for new materials is moving from innovation to industrial-scale use. By using existing biorefinery assets and integrating renewable inputs into established chemical and textile processes, UPM’s wood-based polyester can be produced using current manufacturing systems.
Replacing fossil-based inputs with renewable wood-based carbon helps reduce reliance on fossil resources and complements circular strategies by providing an additional renewable carbon source alongside recycled materials.
The integrated value chain, connecting renewable raw materials with production sites in Europe, also supports greater transparency and resilience in the supply chain.
Thread by thread, this approach is helping to build a textile system that is renewable by source and ready to scale through existing industrial processes.
