UPM Specialty Materials announced two separate paper packaging developments, partnering with Uteco and Siegwerk on secondary packaging and with Ingredion and Paramelt on starch-based barriers for food packaging.
In the first project, UPM supplied barrier base paper, Siegwerk provided its CIRKIT BAR SEAL coating, and Uteco applied the coating using high-definition flexographic technology. The companies said the resulting secondary packaging structure contains up to 90% paper while providing moisture and grease resistance, heat sealing and recyclability through standard paper recycling streams, referencing CEPI/4evergreen v2.
The partners also conducted a joint production trial involving coating, printing and heat sealing in a single pass. The development is intended for secondary packaging applications, with primary packaging continuing to protect the product.
“As packaging legislation, such as EU PPWR, evolve globally, brand owners need practical ways to reduce plastic without compromising performance,” said Marco Tramontano, Sales Director, UPM Specialty Materials.
Separately, UPM is working with Ingredion and Paramelt to assess starch-based grease barriers and bio-based heat-seal coatings for recyclable paper food packaging. The project uses UPM Solide Lucent 78 gsm and UPM Asendo 65 gsm papers. Ingredion contributes plant-based starch barrier technology, while Paramelt provides expertise in heat-seal and barrier coatings.
A jointly developed structure based on UPM Solide Lucent 78 gsm has passed Part 1 recyclability testing at Western Michigan University.
Sarah Dembroski, Sales Director, Packaging Papers Americas, UPM Specialty Materials, said the collaboration seeks to expand paper-based packaging options for converters and brand owners. The two initiatives involve different partners and applications.