Interpack 2023: UPM Specialty Papers and Henkel “reinvent” fiber-based packaging material for snacks

17 Apr 2023 --- UPM Specialty Papers and Henkel have developed a grease-resistant, recyclable and heat-sealable paper-based packaging material compatible with existing packaging lines. 

The high-performance packaging concept is suitable for a wide range of dry foods that require grease resistance, such as party snacks and bread sticks – both of which will be available as samples at Interpack 2023 in Düsseldorf, Germany, May 4-10. 

The plastic coating traditionally required for protection and heat-sealing makes the recycling of the final product difficult. UPM Specialty Papers and Henkel say they have reinvented the concept to help brand owners and converters meet ever-growing consumer and regulatory demands for easy-to-recycle packaging. 

Partnering for sustainability 
Christin Noack, market strategy manager Paper Solutions at Henkel says: “In line with our 2030 sustainability ambitions, our water-based Loctite Liofol HS 2809-22 RE heat seal and Aquence Epic BC 6134 grease barrier coatings are easy to recycle, helping to recover more fibers and supporting a more circular economy.”

“Together with UPM Specialty Papers, we have moved one step closer to bridging the gap between [environmentally] sustainable fiber-based packaging and traditional plastic packaging to support brand owners and converters in the transition to paper.”

The packaging concept is suitable for dry foods that require grease resistance, such as party snacks and breadsticks. Existing UPM Asendo and UPM Asendo Pro barrier papers provided the starting point, explain the companies. The recyclable barrier papers are produced with fibers from environmentally sustainable managed forests, offering grease and moisture resistance without plastic coating.

Paper coating challenges
The partners then explored the limits of performance to create food-safe, heat-sealed, paper-based packaging that can be recycled in existing fiber recycling streams. This is where Henkel’s expertise came into play with optimizing its coatings specifically for the UPM papers, reinforcing their original barrier properties to offer unmatched levels of grease resistance.

“Barrier and heat seal coatings behave differently on different paper substrates, so finding the best combination of paper substrate, coating and optimum application can be tricky,” explains Noack. 

“We fine-tuned our heat seal and grease barrier coatings over a number of trials and a lengthy development process. Together with UPM, we have developed innovative coatings products that enable paper to reach new and unmatched barrier performance levels.”

Co-created fiber
Mika Uusikartano, senior manager, Product Portfolio Management at UPM Specialty Papers adds: “This solution demonstrates what we can achieve with co-created fiber-based materials. Packaging converters can select from a ready tested and approved ‘off-the shelf’ combination of paper and coatings, quickly finding the right solutions for their end-use without the need for trial and error.”

For brand owners, it represents yet another co-created product aimed at supporting the transition from fossil-based materials to renewable, recyclable packaging.”

Visitors can learn more about the packaging concept at the UPM Specialty Papers’ stand during Interpack 2023 in hall eight at booth 29.

PackagingInsights will report live from Interpack 2023 in booth B83 in Hall 8A. 

Edited by Natalie Schwertheim