UPM gains first RSB low ILUC risk certification

UPM Biofuels' continuous efforts for a more sustainable supply chain and operations has been recognized by the world's first RSB (Roundtable of Sustainable Biomaterials) low ILUC (indirect land use change) risk certification.

The certificate was received for crude tall oil, the feedstock used for UPM BioVerno renewable fuels production at the Lappeenranta Biorefinery in Finland, and for UPM's cultivation of the Brassica carinata oil crop in Uruguay, said a press release.

The RSB low ILUC risk certification is an additional proof of sustainability for UPM Biofuels, showing that the company's use of crude tall oil and Brassica carinata oil for biofuels production has a low risk of causing indirect emissions elsewhere.

The low ILUC risk RSB certification places UPM Biofuels' raw materials, crude tall oil and Brassica carinata oil in the category of most sustainable feedstocks.

"We are honoured to receive this first of a kind low ILUC recognition for our feeds. It gives further third party proof of UPM Biofuels' commitment to produce top of the line sustainable biofuels and biomaterials for our customers," said Maiju Helin, Head of Sustainability and Market Development at UPM Biofuels.

Crude tall oil (CTO) is a residue of pulp production originating in sustainable forestry. The new low ILUC risk certification process, a voluntary addition to RSB certification, has confirmed that the amount of CTO required by UPM BioVerno for production can be used without diverting it from other uses.