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Domtar signs UPM to distribute lignin in Europe

UPM has agreed to become the exclusive distributor of Domtar’s BioChoice™ lignin in Europe, effective Aug. 1, 2014.

BioChoice lignin is produced at Domtar’s biorefinery in Plymouth, North Carolina. A by-product of the kraft pulping process, BioChoice is a 100% bio-based sustainable alternative to fossil-based products, and also holds the USDA Certified Biobased product label.

“Our lignin separating process is groundbreaking as it allows us to offer high quality kraft lignin in commercial quantities,” said Domtar’s Richard Mullen, vice-president market development and analysis. “UPM is an ideal partner for Domtar in many ways, as they have a strong presence in the European market and also years of experience with biomaterials.”

“We at UPM are truly excited about this agreement, not only because we get a great product in our offering, but also because together with Domtar we can develop the market and offer our customers sustainable, value added products for a growing variety of end uses,” said UPM’s Juuso Konttinen, vice-president biochemicals.

Domtar Corporation designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication papers, specialty and packaging papers and absorbent hygiene products, plus papergrade, fluff and specialty pulps.

UPM operates across six business areas including biorefining, energy, paper and plywood.