UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman have collaborated to unveil a groundbreaking biopolymer-coated paper packaging solution tailored for food and drink applications that necessitate reliable grease and oxygen barriers. This innovative solution incorporates Eastman’s biobased and compostable Solus™ performance additives in combination with BioPBSTM polymer. Together, they create a thin coating applied to UPM’s compostable and recyclable barrier base papers. Due to the minimal thickness of the coating layer, this solution is designed for seamless recycling within existing fibre recycling streams, enabling brands to transition to sustainable packaging.
“We are excited to introduce the result of our development work with Eastman. Together with our partners, we are constantly pushing the performance of fibre-based packaging. This new biopolymer coated solution, for example, provides a new option for difficult-to-pack foods ranging from confectionary end-uses to meat pies found in chilled-food aisles,” states Esa Saukkonen, Manager, Packaging Portfolio Development at UPM R&D.
This unique packaging solution enhances the barrier-boosting attributes of UPM SolideTM Lucent and UPM PregoTM barrier base papers, achieving performance levels that cannot be attained by the individual components alone. It delivers exceptional heat sealability while preserving barrier protection during folding, making it ideal for flexible packaging applications. Additionally, this cutting-edge technology is compatible with conventional LDPE (low density polyethylene) extrusion coating equipment, which means no further capital investment is required.
Historically, the primary challenge of integrating extrusion coating with paper has been the adhesion of the coating to the substrate, particularly when using biobased or biodegradable coatings. The solution developed by UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman effectively addresses this concern.
“Through our collaboration with UPM, we’ve developed versatile fibre-based packaging solutions that are compostable and smoothly integrate with extrusion coating equipment. Eastman Solus™ additive reduces coating thickness, which lowers plastic usage and enables recyclability of food packaging. These additives have been pivotal in advancing scalable, sustainable paper packaging for brands,” notes Bhuma Rajagopalan, Marketing Manager, CASE Innovation at Eastman.
The packaging solution has been validated for recyclability in accordance with the PTS method (PTS-RH 021/97 cat II), while each component of the solution has been validated for both home and industrial compostability1. Samples of the extrusion-coated paper will be featured at UPM Specialty Papers’ stand W-21110 during PACK EXPO International in Chicago, taking place from November 3rd to November 6th.
For additional details about this innovative food and drink sustainable packaging solution, please visit: https://www.upmspecialtypapers.com/campaigns/upm-eastman-paper-based-food-packaging/
