UPM Circular Renewable Black™ is the world’s first bio-based, NIR-detectable, carbon-negative* black pigment, built to end the recycling standoff around black plastic packaging.
Conventional carbon black pigments block near-infrared (NIR) detection, making black items invisible to sorting systems. This has forced brands to choose between iconic black design and circularity, pushing black packaging out of the recycling stream.
UPM Circular Renewable Black™ removes that trade-off. Made from renewable lignin, it delivers deep, premium black color while staying detectable in NIR sorting, so black packaging can remain visible to sorters and stay within established recycling systems. Brands keep familiar polymer performance and design freedom, with no compromise on aesthetics.
Credibility is built into the pigment. The renewable feedstock comes from sustainably managed forests, certified by FSC™ (license C210095) and PEFC (license 04-31-3869), with supply chain traceability ensured through ISCC PLUS chain of custody. A cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment, conducted per ISO 14040/14044, quantifies its climate performance.
UPM Circular Renewable Black™ is part of UPM’s portfolio of CO₂-negative solutions*, linked to UPM’s €1.3 billion biorefinery investment in Leuna, Germany. The Leuna plant converts sustainably sourced hardwood into next-generation biochemicals, enabling industries to shift from fossil-based to renewable materials.
By replacing fossil-based carbon black with a renewable, NIR-detectable alternative, UPM Circular Renewable Black keeps premium black packaging inside established recycling systems and delivers a measurable climate advantage at the ingredient level.
*Carbon-negative claim refers to the pigment cradle-to-gate, accounting for biogenic carbon from the feedstock and purchasing 100% green electricity purchased
More information here: www.upm.com
