Interpack 2026: UPM and BASF to unveil high-performance, fiber-based packaging material
Key takeaways
- UPM and BASF are unveiling a high-performance, fiber-based packaging material at Interpack 2026.
- The collaboration combines UPM’s barrier papers with BASF’s Joncryl HPB technology to create recyclable packaging solutions.
- The new design-for-recycling approach meets increasing regulatory demands, offering sustainable alternatives to plastic-based structures.
Image credit: UPMUPM Specialty Materials (UPM) has combined its barrier and barrier base papers with BASF’s Joncryl high-performance barrier (HPB) technology resins to facilitate a shift away from conventional mixed packaging structures.
“The transition to recyclable fiber-based packaging requires both advanced barrier performance and close collaboration across the value chain,” says Mika Uusikartano, senior manager of Product Portfolio Management at UPM.
“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.”
UPM’s barrier and barrier base papers, such as UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Asendo, are designed for demanding packaging converting and printing applications.
“Design-for-recycling”
Combining such papers with BASF’s Joncryl HPB polymer-based coatings facilitates the development of packaging materials suitable for a range of food and non-food applications that meet regulatory requirements, according to the two companies.
They describe the solution as a “design-for-recycling concept” driven by increasing regulatory requirements, such as the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Rolf Alles, director of Sales Resins for EMEA at BASF, adds: “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.”
UPM and BASF will feature their joint material solutions at Interpack 2026. UPM will further collaborate with Felix Schoeller to present customizable, fiber-based snack packaging at Interpack 2026.
