UPM Specialty Papers and co-create biopolymer coated paper packaging solution

In Finland, UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman have co-created a novel biopolymer coated paper packaging solution, designed for food applications requiring grease and oxygen barriers. The solution integrates Eastman’s biobased and compostable Solus performance additives with BioPBS polymer to form a thin coating onto UPM’s compostable and recyclable barrier base papers. Thanks to the thinness of the coating layer, the solution is designed for recycling within existing fibre recycling streams, empowering brands to adopt sustainable packaging.

This solution amplifies the barrier-boosting effect of UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Prego, barrier base papers, achieving performance unattainable by the individual components alone. It offers improved heat sealability while maintaining barrier protection when folded, making it suitable for flexible packaging. Furthermore, this technology is compatible with conventional LDPE (low density polyethylene) extrusion coating equipment, requiring no additional capital investment.

Traditionally, the challenge of combining extrusion coating with paper lies in the adhesion of the coating to the paper, especially with biobased or biodegradable extrusion coatings. The solution developed by UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman helps resolve this issue.