UPM partners Michelman to develop recyclable paper packaging solutions

USA – UPM Specialty Papers has partnered with Michelman to develop three innovative, recyclable paper-based packaging solutions, enabling brand owners to replace multi-material, non-recyclable packaging with sustainable alternatives that meet food contact standards.

Designed to support the transition to eco-friendly packaging, these solutions cater to brands’ evolving sustainability goals and growing regulatory demands for recyclable materials.

“UPM’s papers serve as an ideal base for our water-based barrier and heat-seal coatings. Our long-standing collaboration has allowed us to advance the performance of fiber-based substrates while maintaining recyclability,” said Thierry Van Migem, Michelman’s EMEA Sales Director.

“These new solutions will empower the market to transition faster to sustainable packaging.”

One notable solution combines UPM’s Solide Lucent base paper with Michelman’s trio of water-based coatings to deliver high oxygen and moisture vapor barriers with heat-sealability, ideal for protecting demanding products like chocolate and coffee.

Another breakthrough is designed specifically for frozen foods. It leverages UPM Asendo or UPM Asendo Pro barrier papers alongside Michelman’s next-generation heat-sealable coatings for optimal performance in cold conditions.

The third solution enhances resistance to water vapor and grease, using Michelman’s VaporCoat 2240 coating to boost UPM Asendo and UPM Asendo Pro papers. This makes it particularly suitable for inner liners in corrugated boxes.

All three structures have undergone recyclability testing based on the PTS RH 021/97 Cat II method, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

“This collaboration enables brands and converters to replace challenging multi-material structures with recyclable fibre-based packaging solutions,” said Esa Saukkonen, Manager of Packaging Portfolio Development at UPM R&D.

In a similar initiative, UPM worked with Unipaco S.A. in September to develop an eco-friendly, recyclable wrapper for salad and herb pots.

This solution aligns with Germany’s 95/5 mono-material regulation, mandating that 95% of the packaging mass consists of a single-component material.

As brands pursue ambitious sustainability targets and face increasing regulatory demands for recyclable alternatives to flexible plastic, UPM Specialty Papers continues to respond with solutions that blend functionality, aesthetic appeal, and sustainability.

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