Lehmann&Voss, UPM ink distribution deal for biobased functional fillers

Leuna, Germany – Finnish forest industry company UPM Biochemicals and Hamburg-based trader Lehmann&Voss&Co. have inked a deal for the exclusive distribution rights for UPM’s renewable functional fillers (RFF).

Th agreement covers the distribution of BioMotion X10, X20 and X40 product range in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK for application in the field of elastomers, UPM announced 8 Feb.

The products will be supplied from the currently under-construction UPM Biochemicals’ production plant in Leuna, which is set for full-scale production by the end of 2023.

The €550-million unit will have a nameplate capacity to produce 220 kilotonnes per annum of bio-based functional fillers, using wood sourced from “100% sustainably managed forests.”

The fillers are currently produced at a pilot-scale for material testing and development in elastomer applications with various OE partners.

The product range offers a green alternative to CO2-intensive fillers such as carbon black or silica in rubber and TPE compounds. 

“We look forward to working with Lehmann&Voss&Co., our partner of choice in the field of functional fillers and additives for rubber applications. 

“With more than 115 years of application technology support for customers in the rubber processing industry, their experience will make a significant contribution to the successful market launch of UPM BioMotion,” said Christian Huebsch, director sales & marketing at UPM Biochemicals.