UPM Specialty Papers and Michelman have co-created three cutting-edge solutions that are designed to allow brand owners to replace multi-material, non-recyclable packaging with paper-based alternatives that meet their requirements for food contact and recyclability.

One of the most exciting results is a high-barrier packaging material that combines UPM Solide Lucent base paper with three of Michelman’s water-based coatings, delivering robust oxygen and moisture vapor barriers with heat-sealability. This makes it ideal for demanding products such as chocolate and even coffee.

A second innovation offers superior barrier properties ideal for frozen foods. The concept is based on a highly effective combination of either UPM Asendo or UPM Asendo Pro barrier papers and Michelman’s next-generation heat-sealable barrier coatings.

A third breakthrough solution has significantly boosted resistance to water vapor and grease. Michelman’s high-performing VaporCoat 2240 coating serves to enhance the existing barrier properties of UPM Asendo and UPM Asendo Pro papers, making the concept particularly suitable for inner liners in end-uses such as corrugated cardboard boxes. All three structures have been tested for recyclability according to the PTS-RH 021/97 cat II method.

Visitors to Pack Expo International November 3–6 are welcome to visit UPM Specialty Papers’ stand W-21110 and Michelman on stand S-4359.

In addition, Esa Saukkonen, packaging portfolio development manager at UPM R&D and Talia Collins, Global R&D Manager, Printing & Packaging at Michelman, will present the results of this co-creation effort on 4 November from 4:00-4:30 PM on the Pack Expo Innovation Stage 2 (N-4580).