UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman have co-developed a biopolymer-coated paper packaging solution designed for food applications requiring grease and oxygen barriers. The solution integrates Eastman’s biobased and compostable Solus™ performance additives with BioPBSTM polymer to form a thin coating on UPM’s compostable and recyclable barrier base papers. The thin coating layer allows the solution to be recycled within existing fiber recycling streams, enabling brands to adopt more sustainable packaging options.

“We are excited to introduce the result of our development work with Eastman. Together with our partners, we are continuously pushing the performance of fiber-based packaging. This new biopolymer-coated solution provides a new option for difficult-to-pack foods, from confectionery to meat pies in chilled-food aisles,” said Esa Saukkonen, manager of packaging portfolio development at UPM R&D.

The solution enhances the barrier properties of UPM Solide™ Lucent and UPM Prego™ barrier base papers, offering improved heat sealability and maintaining barrier protection when folded, making it suitable for flexible packaging. Additionally, this technology is compatible with conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) extrusion coating equipment, eliminating the need for additional capital investment.

A key challenge in combining extrusion coating with paper is adhesion, particularly with biobased or biodegradable coatings. The solution developed by UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman addresses this issue.

“Through our collaboration with UPM, we’ve developed versatile fiber-based packaging solutions that are compostable and seamlessly integrate with extrusion coating equipment. Eastman Solus™ additive reduces coating thickness, which lowers plastic usage and enhances the recyclability of food packaging. These additives have been pivotal in advancing scalable, sustainable paper packaging for brands,” said Bhuma Rajagopalan, marketing manager for CASE innovation at Eastman.

The packaging solution has been validated for recyclability according to PTS method (PTS-RH 021/97 cat II), and individual components have been validated for both home and industrial compostability.

For more information, visit UPM Specialty Papers.