UPM Specialty Materials is applying its proven barrier paper expertise to label face stock for the first time through the introduction of UPM Asendo 80.
With an 80 gsm basis weight, the new paper brings PFAS-free grease resistance to label production. As a result, converters can respond more effectively to changing compliance requirements while pursuing premium applications across the food and beverage industry.
Supporting compliance and PFAS-free food-contact applications
The product launch reflects growing regulatory demands across Europe, including the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact packaging became applicable throughout the EU on August 12, 2026, adding further momentum to food and drink regulations and safer material selection.
UPM Specialty Materials does not intentionally add PFAS at any point during production, supporting converters working with food-contact and grease-sensitive products such as olive oil packaging. Independent laboratories conduct third-party testing on each paper grade, giving converters access to comprehensive regulatory documentation. UPM Asendo 80 also meets the requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) for direct food contact. The paper is available with FSC or PEFC certification, supporting broader food and drink sustainability goals.
Designed for label conversion
UPM Asendo 80 combines barrier performance with the production flexibility required for modern label applications. Its key capabilities include:
Printing and adhesive performance: The material is suitable for UV flexographic and UV inkjet printing and works with a wide selection of adhesive systems.
80 gsm construction: Its basis weight is designed for conventional face paper label formats, allowing converters to bring grease-resistant performance to expanding sectors influenced by food and drink consumer trends.
Application support and testing: Converters can work with UPM’s technical specialists on design considerations and obtain samples for evaluation in live manufacturing environments. This support can help businesses assess the material alongside evolving food manufacturing trends, food processing technology, and food and drink packaging requirements.
“Bringing our barrier technology from packaging into UPM Asendo 80 gives label converters access to grease resistance that has been validated over years of use in demanding packaging applications,” said Kirsi Lahtela, product manager at UPM Specialty Materials. “It also helps converters grow and win by opening the door to higher-value label applications.”
By extending barrier technology into label papers, UPM is responding to wider food and beverage industry trends, including food and drink industry innovation, changing food distribution trends, and the need for more compliant and sustainable labeling solutions. The development also gives converters new opportunities to support food and drink marketing initiatives with high-performance materials.
