UPM acquires Avantium patents for bio-based glycols production
Last update on May 15, 2026
Formulators and product developers working with bio-based chemicals and renewable feedstocks can now review an intellectual property acquisition relevant to bio-based mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) and mono-propylene glycol (MPG) production. UPM has reached an agreement with Avantium N.V. to acquire the intellectual property related to Avantium's Ray Technology®, a process for the production of bio-based MEG and MPG from plant-based sugars.
The transaction comprises Avantium's patent portfolio and invention disclosures related to Ray Technology® and is not material in financial terms for UPM. The strategic value lies in the expansion of UPM's intellectual property position across the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to bio-based glycols.
You can review bio-based ingredients, compare technical data and request samples in the Master Catalog of Coatings.
Expanding lignocellulosic biomass-based chemicals in Europe
The acquisition broadens the scope of UPM's IP portfolio covering biomass-to-glycols conversion pathways and adds optionality for future process configurations as UPM continues to scale its bio-based chemicals business. According to UPM, it reinforces the company's position as the first to bring lignocellulosic biomass-based chemicals production to industrial scale, currently being started up at the UPM Leuna biorefinery in Germany.
The alignment with Avantium is stated to support the development of an industrial bioeconomy in Europe, with multiple industrial options entering the market in parallel. Avantium is a provider of renewable and circular polymer materials.
"This acquisition is a focused step that strategically expands the scope of our IP portfolio in bio-based glycols and strengthens our freedom to operate as we scale the industrial production of renewable chemicals," said Harald Dialer, chief technology officer at UPM and executive vice president, UPM Next Generation Renewables.
"Combining Avantium's Ray Technology® patent estate with our own platform broadens our future process options and solidifies the premium market position we have obtained with our 100% UPM Bio PET™. This transaction confirms UPM's role as a frontrunner in building a competitive European industrial bioeconomy."
You can review renewable ingredients, compare technical data and request samples in the Master Catalog of Coatings.