Specialty packaging company UPM has introduced a carbon-negative pigment when it comes to premium packaging. The UPM Circular Renewable Black is the world’s first bio-based and near-infrared – NIR detectable, carbon-negative pigment.
It is worth noting that black packaging is challenging to recycle since the conventional pigments are made from carbon black, which inhibits NIR detection, thereby making the material invisible when it comes to sorting systems.
The fact is that the new pigment of UPM is made out of renewable lignin. It is also certified by certain third-party bodies, including the likes of FSCTM, PEFC, and ICSS Plus.
UPM underscores that the bio-based pigment makes sure of a luxury appeal; however, it is NIR detectable, which means that it can be sorted as well as recycled.
The vice president for commercial with UPM Biorefining, Robert Marx, opines that with UPM Circular Renewable Black, they are indeed redefining what is possible when it comes to sustainable packaging. For years, black was seen as incompatible with circularity; however, now they have changed that completely.
This innovation blends deep black with complete recycling detectability along with a carbon-negative footprint, thereby proving that sustainability as well as design excellence can go hand-in-hand. It is indeed a breakthrough, which surely reflects the commitment by UPM to driving bold and science-based solutions for brand success along with a truly sustainable circular economy.
Carbon-negative solutions
The solution is part of the portfolio by UPM of CO₂-negative solutions, which are all set to be manufactured at its €1.3 billion – equivalent to US$1.5 billion—biorefinery based in Leuna, Germany. As per UPM, the facility is the largest industrial-scale investment when it comes to biochemicals in Europe.
Notably, the plant goes ahead and converts hardwood into next-generation biochemicals, thereby helping with the transition from fossil-based to renewable materials throughout many industries.
Recently, UPM as well as Sappi inked a non-binding letter of intent in order to create a joint venture that would combine their regional graphic paper operations. The planned consolidation is most likely to generate almost €100 million, or US$116.5 million, in terms of annual synergies.
It was at Labelexpo Europe 2025 that it launched a portfolio of new specialist label solutions, which are designed to address the emerging trends when it comes to logistics as well as consumer durables.
Meanwhile, UPM Adhesive Materials also came up with a collection of premium performance label materials when it comes to wine and spirits packaging. The collection is part of a sample folder, which is available across North American, South American, and European as well as Asia-Pacific markets.