19 May, 2026 14:32:07 IST 
Finland-based forest industry and biochemicals group, UPM, has acquired the intellectual property portfolio underpinning Dutch biochemicals firm, Avantium’s Ray Technology, a process for producing bio-based mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) and mono-propylene glycol (MPG) from plant-based sugars.
The transaction covers Avantium’s patents and invention disclosures related to Ray Technology but was described by UPM as not material in financial terms. The strategic rationale is the expansion of UPM’s IP position across lignocellulosic biomass-to-glycols conversion pathways and the addition of optionality for future process configurations as the company scales its bio-based chemicals business.
UPM is currently starting up its biorefinery at Leuna, Germany — which it describes as the first lignocellulosic biomass-based chemicals production facility to reach industrial scale. The acquired IP is expected to broaden process options and reinforce the company’s market position in bio-based glycols, including its 100% UPM Bio PET product line.
Mr. Harald Dialer, Chief Technology Officer at UPM and Executive Vice President of UPM Next Generation Renewables, said the acquisition expands the scope of the company’s IP portfolio and strengthens its freedom to operate as industrial production scales up.
UPM said the transaction also supports broader European industrial bioeconomy development by adding to the range of industrial-scale options entering the market in parallel.
