Royal Vaassen, UPM unveil recyclable barrier paper for sustainable packaging

NETHERLANDS – Netherlands-based Royal Vaassen, in collaboration with UPM Specialty Papers, has launched a new range of recyclable barrier paper solutions designed to meet strict food safety and recyclability standards. 

The innovative Barryrwrap concept addresses diverse packaging needs, offering medium to high-level protection against oxygen and moisture, making it ideal for products like coffee, stock, and chocolate.

According to Royal Vaassen’s sales manager, Mark Gerritsen, the barrier papers provide a sustainable alternative to traditional laminates and plastics, ensuring strong protection while maintaining compatibility with existing production lines. 

He highlighted the Barryrwrap Everest, a high-performance option tailored for instant coffee and other dry goods requiring maximum protection. 

This solution delivers excellent barriers against moisture, oxygen, and light, with clear printing capabilities and seamless integration into current sealing processes. 

Its fully recyclable structure offers a viable replacement for aluminum laminates without sacrificing quality.

UPM Specialty Papers contributes its Solide Lucent packaging paper, which serves as the foundation for Barryrwrap solutions. 

This paper is noted for its smoothness and density, enabling lower coating weights while maintaining durability for high-speed packaging lines. 

The grammage can be customized to suit specific application requirements, enhancing flexibility for manufacturers.

Mika Uusikartano, senior manager of product portfolio management at UPM Specialty Papers, said the Barryrwrap solutions have been tested in demanding applications, such as canister formats for products like chips and drink powders. 

He invited industry professionals to explore these innovations at the Fachpack trade fair in Nuremberg in September 2025, where sample canisters will be showcased.

The development aligns with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which emphasizes recyclability to support a circular economy. 

The widespread availability of paper and board recycling infrastructure further enhances the practicality of these solutions, meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging.

In a recent update, UPM Specialty Papers announced additional collaborations at Fachpack 2025, showcasing fibre-based packaging solutions with partners like EvoPak and Walkers Chocolate. 

These efforts include a recyclable paper wrapper for chocolates, offering protection against oxygen and grease while maintaining production efficiency. 

This demonstrates the ongoing commitment to expanding sustainable packaging options across various applications, further reducing reliance on non-recyclable materials. 

The combined innovations signal a significant step toward meeting global sustainability goals while ensuring food safety and operational efficiency for manufacturers.

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