UPM Specialty Materials, in collaboration with specialty paper producer Felix Schoeller, has introduced an innovative solution aimed at transforming flexible food packaging. This customizable, fiber-based barrier technology has been specifically developed for demanding applications, such as chocolate and snack bars, offering a recyclable substitute for conventional multi-material laminates.
This pioneering solution will be on display at interpack 2026 (Stand F29, Hall 8A) from May 7 to 13.
The primary benefit for manufacturers in the food and beverage sector stems from the platform’s modular methodology for barrier protection. Instead of adhering to fixed, standard barrier levels—which can lead to excessive packaging or inadequate protection—this innovative approach allows customization to meet the specific needs of the product. Key features include:
- Tailored coatings: Brands can adjust protection levels against oxygen, moisture, and grease.
- Performance optimization: The coating solutions can be fine-tuned to address specific sealing and mechanical performance requirements.
- Printability: The foundation material, UPM Solide Lucent, provides an exceptionally smooth surface, ensuring superior quality in branding and graphics.
A frequent concern with transitioning to fiber-based solutions is the need for maintaining production speed. UPM and Felix Schoeller have tackled this issue by focusing on the technical density of the base paper:
- Lower coating weights: Thanks to the dense surface of UPM Solide Lucent, effective barrier performance can be achieved with reduced coating, which decreases overall material weight.
- Mechanical strength: The paper is specifically designed for high-speed converting and production lines, ensuring that the shift to paper does not lead to increased downtime or diminished throughput.
- Scalability: A variety of grammages is available, enabling manufacturers to choose the ideal thickness for everything from lightweight snack wraps to more robust pouches.
Andreas Bergmeier, head of innovation and technical sales packaging at Felix Schoeller, emphasized the importance of consumer-focused design: “Instead of relying on fixed technologies… we design customisable coating solutions that deliver the protection required… UPM Solide Lucent has proven to be an excellent base material for this.”
Markus Kamphuis, technical sales manager at UPM Specialty Materials, added: “Flexible food packaging is evolving quickly… Our collaboration… enables fully fiber-based packaging concepts that are ready for tomorrow’s regulatory expectations.”
For manufacturers, this introduction removes a critical barrier to complying with forthcoming EU recyclability standards—narrowing the performance gap between plastic and paper. By providing a solution that is both SBTi-friendly (supporting CO₂ removals and lower footprints) and technically comparable to traditional films, UPM and Felix Schoeller are paving the way for brands to future-proof their packaging strategies while ensuring product integrity and safety.