UPM has introduced UPM Circular Renewable Black, an innovation that redefines the role of black as a color in sustainable packaging. UPM Circular Renewable Black is the world’s first bio-based, near-infrared (NIR) detectable, carbon-negative pigment, enabling premium packaging solutions that combine design excellence with full recyclability and a strong sustainability performance.

For years, black packaging has been associated with recycling challenges as the conventionally used pigments are made from carbon black, which inhibits NIR detection and makes the materials invisible to the sorting systems in recycling facilities. UPM’s new pigment is derived from renewable lignin and certified by third-party standards such as FSCTM, PEFC and ISCC Plus. It delivers deep black color for premium aesthetics, full NIR detectability for efficient recycling and a carbon-negative footprint, supporting climate-positive brand solutions.

“With UPM Circular Renewable Black, we are redefining what’s possible in sustainable packaging. For years, black was seen as incompatible with circularity – but we’ve changed that narrative,” says Robert Marx, vice president commercial for UPM Bio-refining. “This innovation combines iconic deep black with full recycling detectability and a carbon-negative footprint, proving that sustainability and design excellence can go hand in hand. It’s a breakthrough that reflects UPM’s commitment to driving bold, science-based solutions for brand success and a truly sustainable circular economy.”

UPM’s Circular Renewable Black is part of UPM’s portfolio of CO2-negative solutions to be produced at the company’s €1.3billion bio-refinery in Leuna, Germany. The facility is the largest industrial-scale investment in biochemicals in Europe and converts sustainably sourced hardwood into next-generation biochemicals, enabling the transition from fossil-based to renewable materials across multiple industries.