Interpack 2026: UPM and Felix Schoeller to present customizable, fiber-based snack pack
Key takeaways
- UPM and Felix Schoeller have partnered to create a customizable, recyclable, and fiber-based solution for flexible food packaging.
- The packaging combines UPM’s Solide Lucent paper with Felix Schoeller’s barrier technology.
- The solution meets upcoming EU recyclability regulations and is said to be safe for food contact, suitable for items like chocolates and snacks.
UPM Specialty Materials and Felix Schoeller, a paper manufacturer, are set to showcase a customizable, recyclable, and fiber-based solution for flexible food packaging at Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany (May 7–13).
The solution combines UPM’s Solide Lucent paper packaging and Felix Schoeller’s barrier concept, which can be tailored to specific product performance requirements. It is suitable for flexible food packaging like chocolate and snack bars.
Markus Kamphuis, technical sales manager at UPM Specialty Materials, says: “Flexible food packaging is evolving quickly, and brand-owners need solutions that deliver high- performance barrier protection and recyclability.”
“Our collaboration with Felix Schoeller demonstrates how UPM Solide Lucent can be adapted to different end-uses, enabling fully fiber-based packaging concepts that are ready for tomorrow’s regulatory expectations.”
The solution is food-contact safe and aims to support the upcoming EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s recyclability requirements.
Compatible materials
According to UPM, its Solide Lucent packaging paper is designed for easy converting. It is also said to offer a smooth and dense surface, allowing for lower coating weights but providing the strength needed for reliable performance on high-speed production lines.
Andreas Bergmeier, head of Innovation and Technical Sales Packaging at Felix Schoeller, says: “We always start with the customers’ needs. Instead of relying on fixed technologies or standard barrier levels, we design customizable coating solutions that deliver the protection required — whether against oxygen, moisture, grease, or for sealing and mechanical performance.”
“UPM Solide Lucent has proven to be an excellent base material for this. It runs reliably on our coating lines, offers well-balanced mechanical performance, and delivers printability. This enables solutions that protect what matters.”
A major challenge in modern packaging is combining high-barrier performance with recyclability. Recently, Packaging Insights sat down with experts at BASF, Flint Group, and Qwarzo to discuss the trade-offs manufacturers face when protecting against moisture, oxygen, and grease, while meeting recyclability goals.
Meanwhile, UPM Specialty Materials and Paramelt created a bio- and paper-based food packaging for bakery, fast food, and convenience applications.
