CM Biomass reports solid results despite market pressure
Despite low trading prices and global geopolitical uncertainty, CM Biomass demonstrated resilience in 2024/25. By strengthening its organisation and value chain, the Danish biomass company maintained its sales volume at 3.7 million tonnes over the past financial year and reports a profit before tax of EUR 14.5 million.
With 3.7 million tonnes of biomass traded, Danish CM Biomass generated a revenue of more than EUR 777 million in the recently closed 2024/25 financial year, and its profit before tax (EBT) amounted to EUR 14.5 million. Although these numbers represent a decline compared to the previous two years, CEO of CM Biomass, Simon Plagborg, views the 2024/25 results as satisfactory.
“Trading prices of biomass are influenced by factors beyond our control. But the fact that we maintained our sales volume, and with it our market share, is entirely to our credit. That is an achievement we are proud of. It reflects the strength of our commercial partnerships, and the trust placed in us by our customers,” says Simon Plagborg, and adds:
“We have proven both resilience and foresight by increasing our focus on key markets and segments, investing in new product development, and engaging more closely with our partners and customers.”
Simon Plagborg joined CM Biomass as CEO in January this year, with a clear focus on developing both the commercial side of the business and the production in the USA. Since joining the company, the new CEO has spent time getting to know CM Biomass’ far-reaching organisation in depth.
In addition to the change in management, CM Biomass’ majority owner, the family-owned United Shipping and Trading Company (USTC), increased its stake in December 2024 to 89 percent. USTC first acquired 60 percent of CM Biomass in 2021 and raised its ownership to 69 percent in 2023.
A strong business model
In recent years, CM Biomass has strengthened its organisation significantly. With extensive in-house production in the U.S., warehouses around the globe, and sales offices on several continents, the company has positioned itself as one of the world’s largest suppliers and producers of biomass for energy production.
“Our annual results show that our business model – combining trading and production – is robust. Based on our 2024/25 performance, we are well positioned for the future and for scaling our trading activities and growth,” says Simon Plagborg.
Like the rest of the biomass industry, CM Biomass is partly driven by the growing political focus in Europe on accelerating the green transition - a development the company follows closely.
“This political focus helps drive opportunities for our customers to transition from fossil fuels to biomass. Here, we continue to strengthen our position as a trusted market leader. We are focused on turning the political agenda into commercial solutions, guiding customers in selecting the type of biomass that is most suitable for their specific industrial requirements,” says Simon Plagborg.
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About CM Biomass
CM Biomass is the world’s largest independent trader of wood pellets and ranks among the top five producers globally. The company employs more than 240 dedicated professionals across 13 countries, collaborates with a broad range of clients across multiple market segments, and trades over 3.7 million tonnes of industrial- and premium-grade wood pellets annually, striving to decarbonize power and heat production.
CM Biomass has its roots in the family-owned Copenhagen Merchants Group, which remains a minority shareholder.
CM Biomass’ majority owner is the Danish, family-owned United Shipping & Trading Company (USTC). USTC holds a portfolio of activities that include oil & energy, shipping & logistics, ship owning, risk management, car activities, IT and sustainable energy, and is represented in 38 countries with over 160 offices and more than 4,500 employees.
