Algol Chemicals becomes distributor of Renewable Functional Fillers supplied by UPM Biochemicals; products are made from responsibly sourced hardwood and can act as eco-friendly fillers in rubber, plastics materials

March 16, 2023 (press release) –

From the beginning of 2024, the Algol Chemicals product range will include Renewable Functional Fillers supplied by UPM Biochemicals that can be used, for example, in plastics and rubber applications. Product samples are already available for testing and trials, although commercial volume deliveries will begin in early 2024.

Algol Chemicals has signed a distribution agreement with UPM Biochemicals covering sales of Renewable Functional Fillers in Finland, Scandinavia and the Baltics.

Towards more environmentally friendly and recyclable materials
UPM Biochemicals’ Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF) are made from responsibly sourced hardwood from regional, sustainably managed forests. The new filler is a sustainable alternative to fossil-based and highly CO₂-intensive carbon black and silica., as well as other fillers. Currently, there are hardly any other similar fillers in accordance with sustainable development on the market.

Legislative requirements and consumer preferences for more environmentally friendly products are acting as drivers also within the rubber and plastics industry for replacing fossil-based materials with renewable alternatives. RFFs are suitable for a broad range of elastomers, TPE, TPV and plastics applications. They are perfect for automotive weatherstrip, hoses, seals, interior and exterior plastics parts, and other industrial rubber applications.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, RFFs are also recyclable. The color of polypropylenes that use RFFs remains stable from one recycling to another. The coloring pigment of the black plastic used in such products reflects near-infrared radiation (NIR), which can be identified during sorting.

“To serve our customers even better, we are increasing the number of greener options in our product range. UPM’s Renewable Functional Fillers are an excellent example of this, and we consider our cooperation to be significant,” says Kalle Kettunen, CEO of Algol Chemicals.

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