UPM Specialty Papers actively collaborates with industry partners across the food and drink packaging value chain to co-create innovative and transformative solutions that meet the distinct needs of brand owners and converters. This commitment to excellence drives the development of sustainable packaging options.
The company has established a solid partnership with Henkel, a renowned leader in numerous industrial and consumer sectors. Recently, UPM Specialty Papers has taken the initiative to embark on collaborative projects with Koenig & Bauer, a prominent global manufacturer of printing presses and software solutions.
Recyclable. Heat-sealable. Food safe.
These three partners have united to develop a sustainable heat-sealable packaging solution. The innovative ‘doypack’ confectionery pouch features advanced barrier properties while being compatible with all printing methods, including digital printing. Additionally, it is recyclable within existing fibre recycling streams and is completely safe for food contact.
Optimised for digital printing
The project commenced with the use of UPM Asendo™ barrier paper, which underwent rigorous testing and optimization on a Koenig & Bauer RotaJET digital press. Unlike traditional printing processes, such as flexo, rotogravure, or offset, that typically require high-volume runs, digital technology enables the production of smaller batches for specific marketing initiatives, including localised packaging and special events.
The prototype pouch was then coated using Henkel’s AQUENCE EPIX BC 6134 FL coating. This coating enhances the structure’s resistance to moisture and grease, along with excellent sealing capabilities. Consequently, this makes the pouch ideal for various applications, including confectionery, frozen foods, and bakery products.
“The smooth collaboration between UPM, Koenig & Bauer Digital & Webfed, and Henkel ensures that the project progresses efficiently and effectively. By leveraging the strengths of each entity, we showcase the latest advancements in digital printing and sustainable packaging solutions. The doypack materials are designed for seamless integration across various processes, ensuring high runnability and consistent quality,” explains Aleksi Pekkanen, Senior Researcher at UPM R&D.
The comprehensive production process—from coating to printing to packaging—was executed effectively, with the final doypacks produced at Pack Company.
“We have used UPM paper on our packaging line multiple times. Now that we’ve learned to run heat-sealable barrier papers, it functions similarly to other commercial materials. Although our packaging machines are designed for plastic, we can achieve comparable running speeds with UPM barrier papers. Additionally, paper tends to handle better than plastic and helps reduce waste, as plastic can stretch. Paper also offers greater dimensional stability,” states Jaana Hakkarainen, Director of Sales and Production at Pack Company.
UPM Asendo™, UPM Asendo Pro™, UPM Solide Lucent™, and UPM Prego™ barrier and barrier base papers are ideal for additional coatings, enhancing their protective properties and providing heat- or cold-sealing capabilities. Together with our partner coatings, these papers can achieve medium to high barrier levels, catering to specific end-use requirements.
Visitors at Fachpack are encouraged to visit UPM Specialty Papers at stand 241 in hall 3A, and Koenig & Bauer at stand 539 in hall 7, to view the newly developed doypack and take home a sample.
Discover how our products are inherently special at upmspecialtypapers.com.
Connect with UPM Specialty Papers on LinkedIn.
For more information, visit www.henkel.com.
For additional details, explore https://www.koenig-bauer.com/en/index/.
