Below you can find some of the questions we get asked most often. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions in mind.
FAQ about UPM BioMotion™ Renewable Functional Fillers
UPM BioMotion™ RFF will be available globally in all regions, either directly from a local UPM-affiliate or through one of our distribution partners.
No! UPM uses exclusively hardwood, which means that the composition of the feedstock for UPM BioMotion™ RFF production is very constant. In addition, very tight process controls and stringent quality control schemes ensure highest product consistency.
UPM is aware of the obligations set in the EUDR and takes all necessary measures to be compliant with the regulation. We are actively engaging with our suppliers, customers, and competent authorities to share information on EUDR, and to ensure the timely adaptation to the regulation.
All UPM Biochemicals wood comes from sustainably managed forestry with FSC™ / PEFC certified chain of custody. Furthermore, UPM BioMotion™ RFF is classified according to customs tariff number position 3913 which does not belong to any of the product categories defined in ANNEX I of the regulation. Consequently, UPM BioMotion™ RFF does not fall under the EUDR.
Lignin can come from many different processes with different qualities, while UPM BioMotion™ RFF will be produced using a dedicated process leading to a constant quality. As UPM BioMotion™ RFF production is using lignin as feedstock some chemical structures known from lignin can be found as well. In contrast to lignin, UPM BioMotion™ RFF has a defined specific surface area, the particles are not softening with increasing temperature, and it is nearly insoluble. In addition, smell and VOCs of UPM BioMotion™ RFF are significantly lower than of standard market lignin. When using UPM BioMotion™ RFF in rubber compounds this leads to improved mechanical properties.
UPM BioMotion™ RFF is CO₂-negative from cradle to gate considering biogenic carbon from our feedstock and purchasing green electricity, bio-based with 100% renewable carbon, and light-weight in comparison to other fillers. It contains mainly carbon (> 60%) like carbon black, but also a significant amount of oxygen (> 25%).
Thus, UPM BioMotion™ RFF is like precipitated silica polar by chemical nature containing functional OH-groups.
Today’s specific surface areas are in the low to medium range matching the most common soft carbon blacks while the filler morphology is closer to precipitated silicas. UPM BioMotion™ RFF represents a new generation of functional fillers for rubber and plastics with a unique property and performance profile.
We have already started to prepare the FSC™ and PEFC certification* for our operations and products in Leuna.
FSC™ or PEFC-certified UPM BioMotion™ RFF will be available when we start production and commercial sales from our biorefinery.
*FSC N003385, PEFC/02-44-41
We have already started to prepare the ISCC+ certification for our operations and products in Leuna. ISCC+ certified UPM BioMotion™ RFF will be available when we start production and commercial sales from our biorefinery.
UPM BioMotion™ RFF is polar by chemical nature and tends to absorb water if stored openly, especially at high humidity. The packaging materials have been chosen for maximum protection against moisture uptake. If stored properly under closed and controlled dry conditions, no significant moisture uptake will occur over time.
Final shelf life is not yet defined as we are still producing at pilot and not at industrial scale including final packaging in small EVA or big bags. For now, we advise a shelf life of two years when stored at ambient temperatures in closed containers and away from sunlight and other sources of UV light. Depending on the actual storage conditions, retesting of moisture level should be considered every 6-12 months.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemical compounds which can quickly evaporate to air due to their high vapor pressure and low boiling point. Common VOCs include ethanol, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene. VOCs are of concern to both indoor and outdoor quality. Many countries have implemented regulations to limit the use of VOCs in products. UPM BioMotion™ RFF production takes measures for minimum odor and low amount of VOCs. The performance is regularly monitored by external testing according to VDA270 and VDA278, respectively.
No, both rubber and thermoplastic compounds with UPM BioMotion™ RFF have a very dark color, which is similar to carbon black based compounds.
No, UPM BioMotion™ RFF pellet properties are optimized for fast and efficient filler incorporation and dispersion in rubber and thermoplastics.
In general, a loading of 3–5 wt% gives the best color properties. At all UPM BioMotion™ RFF loadings NIR detection of the matrix polymer is possible, allowing sorting and recycling of the material.
At higher loadings UPM BioMotion™ RFF will lead to stiffer materials, with increased renewable material content and reduced carbon footprint. This will come along with a lower compound density, as the density of UPM BioMotion™ RFF is significantly lower than the density of other functional filler materials.
Yes, UPM BioMotion™ RFF features an extremely high temperature stability for a bio-based material and can withstand peak temperatures of up to 260°C for a short time.