UPM Specialty Materials (UPM) and BASF are collaborating to help brand owners, converters and formulators accelerate the transition to recyclable, fiber-based packaging solutions. By combining UPM’s barrier and barrier-base papers with BASF’s Joncryl HPB (high-performance barrier) barrier-technology resins, the collaboration enables high-performance, fiber-based materials while supporting the transition away from conventional mixed packaging structures.

UPM’s barrier and barrier base papers, such as UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Asendo, are designed for demanding packaging converting and printing applications. When combined with coatings based on BASF’s Joncryl HPB polymers, they enable the development of packaging materials suitable for a wide range of food and non-food applications that meet demanding regulatory requirements.

“The transition to recyclable fiber-based packaging requires both advanced barrier performance and close collaboration across the value chain. Our barrier papers are developed to support co-creation with partners, enabling new, high-performance packaging applications. The collaboration with BASF demonstrates how combining innovative barrier technologies with barrier papers can deliver functional, recyclable solutions that accelerate the packaging transformation,” said Mika Uusikartano, senior manager, product portfolio management, UPM Specialty Materials.

“The demand for sustainable packaging solutions is growing rapidly along the value chain – from brand owners to converters and formulators. UPM’s premium paper grades for flexible packaging, combined with barrier coatings based on waterborne Joncryl HPB resins from BASF form a strong and credible reference approach for the development of paper-based alternatives designed to replace plastic-based or PE-laminated structures,” said Rolf Alles, director of sales Resins EMEA at BASF.

UPM and BASF at interpack 2026

The partnership will be in the spotlight at interpack 2026, taking place from May 7–13 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The jointly developed samples will be showcased at the fair, illustrating the performance and sustainability potential of the fiber-based packaging concepts.

In addition, a wide range of UPM’s and BASF’s offerings for the packaging industry will be on display at the event. You can meet BASF’s Resins team at Hall 10, Stand A44, and UPM’s team at Hall 8A, Stand F29.