The project involves UPM Biochemicals and 50 product and industry design students at the university, who have been given free rein to come up with radical design solutions.

UPM Biochemicals is developing new types of climate neutral materials derived from sustainably sourced hardwood. The division is the subject of significant investment, with a €750m scheme to build what is described as the “world’s first industry scale biorefinery” underway in Germany, and the potential for a second in the Netherlands being explored.  

The group already has a biorefinery in Finland that makes advanced biofuels and renewable naphtha.

The Finland-headquartered group said that these new materials could be used for a wide variety of applications including fashion, footwear, automotive and furniture.

Martin Ledwon, vice president, stakeholder relations at UPM Biorefining & Technology, commented: “We need to embrace radically new concepts and reconsider how brands can establish sustainability as a brand value and aim for true CO2-neutrality.

“They need to lead the transformation. But a net zero circular economy is only feasible if we work together across value chains. That is why we are prototyping a world beyond fossils with Central Saint Martins, proving it’s possible and scalable to reduce supply chain emissions, now. Breaking down barriers - and excuses.”

Paul De’Ath, Course Leader, BA Product and Industrial Design at Central Saint Martins, said: “Design has the power to transform people, products or even enterprises. We believe through design and the right partnerships, we can help solve looming issues, and in doing so create a better world.”

Separately, UPM has teamed with outdoor apparel specialist Vaude to produce the first fleece jacket made from wood-based polyester.

A further project with Selenis is focused on the production of “partial bioPETG” for use in applications such as cosmetics and personal care packaging, heat shrink sleeves, and durable goods, where it can replace conventional fossil-based plastics.